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'Bit Nervous': Travis Head After Fuelling Australia To Sixth World Cup Glory

image-lp5pan9nTravis Head walks off after shattering India's World Cup 2023 dreams (x.com)

Australia’s World Cup 2023 doubtful starter Travis Head led his nation to ultimate glory at the final with a tournament-winning century. The dashing opener, who missed Australia’s initial fixtures owing to a fractured hand, crashed India’s unbeaten run on the big day by pumping out 137 regal runs in front of a capacity Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Head was fittingly adjudged as 'Player of the Match' for his efforts, as he joined a gallery of great Australian batters to slap a World Cup winning century to his name.

During the post-match presentation, the cricketer claimed that he was a bit nervous during the start of the Australian innings, at a time when Indian pace merchants Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami dictated terms with the new-ball in the powerplay.


Travis Head credits Marnus for soaking pressure

Opening the innings for Australia, Travis Head lost fellow top-order partners David Warner, Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith all cheaply within the powerplay to Indian speedsters Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

Head admitted that he was a bit nervous against the swinging new ball, but credited Marnus Labuschagne for soaking in all the pressure upon his arrival to the crease. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the left-handed opener said:

“What an amazing day. Just thrilled to be a part of it. It’s a lot better than seeing sitting on the couch. It’s really nice to contribute. In the first 20 balls, I was bit nervous but Marnus played really well and soaked in the pressure and we built a solid partnership.”

Apart from his match-winning ton, Travis Head also plucked a sensational diving catch to send Indian captain Rohit Sharma packing back to the pavilion earlier in the game. The 30-year-old also made some excellent saves on the field, which eventually restricted India’s strong batting line-up to just 240 in their 50 overs upfront. Speaking on his recent fielding efforts, Head claimed:

“I have always worked hard on my fielding. Nice to hold onto the catches and contribute to the boys. It’s a massive stadium and we had to soak in the pressure.”

Travis Head’s century helped him join the likes of Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist as the third Australian batter to score a match-winning century in a World Cup final. Acknowledging the momentous occasion, the dynamic southpaw said:

“I’m definitely third on the list. It’s nice to be on that list and contribute to team wins.”

Australia’s win marked their sixth World Cup title, and their first since home triumph of 2015.