How To Get Travis Head? Akash Deep Drops Major Hint Ahead Of 4th Test

Akash Deep ahead of the Melbourne Test [Source: AP]

Travis Head has been a key player for Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. With two centuries and one half-century already, he's proven to be a tough opponent for India. His solid performance has earned him the nickname "headache" from former Indian coach Ravi Shastri. However, some feel that India has let him settle at the crease without enough pressure, and that needs to change.

Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, pacer Akash Deep revealed that India has a plan to counter Head’s threat, but he's not ready to share the details. The fourth Test in Melbourne, starting December 26, is crucial as the series is currently tied 1-1, and India is aiming for a third straight series win in Australia. 

India have already won two series in Australia, once under Virat Kohli in 2018-19 and again under Ajinkya Rahane in 2020-21. Now, with Rohit Sharma leading, the team is eager for another win.

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Akash Deep’s Strategy Against Head

When asked about the plan, Akash Deep kept it under wraps, saying, 

"Jo plan hai wo nahi bata sakte, wo bhi tayyar ho jayenge (We can’t reveal our plans, as they’ll prepare accordingly)," Deep told the reporters after training at the MCG.     

Akash Deep also pointed out that Travis Head struggles against short balls, so India's bowlers will focus on keeping him from settling in by targeting specific areas. The goal is to force him into making mistakes.

 "As fast bowlers, we will stick to the same deliveries and maintain discipline in our bowling. We will bowl from both over and around the wicket, assess the pitch and conditions, and plan accordingly," he said. 

 "I think Travis Head, in particular, struggles against short balls. We won’t let him settle at the crease. We’ll target specific areas and hope to force him into mistakes, which will create chances for us," he stated.    

Akash Deep’s Test Experience in Australia

Akash Deep got his chance to play in the series at The Gabba, where he struggled early on but came through in the final session. He took three wickets and scored a valuable 31 runs, forming a crucial partnership with Jasprit Bumrah to help India avoid the follow-on.

 "It is a bit difficult. I have played most of my cricket in India. We can bowl shorter lengths there, but here it is a bit of a challenge.," he added. 

India began the series strong with a huge 295-run win in Perth, but they faced a tough loss in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. With both teams tied at 1-1, the upcoming Boxing Day Test is important for India to push ahead and make their mark. 

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