Adelaide or Gabba - which Travis Head hundred in BGT 2024-25 series was the better innings?
Travis Head has consistently been one of Australia’s standout performers across all formats. When the stakes are high, Head always steps up, and the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is no exception.
Although the visitors dominated the first Test, winning by a commanding 295 runs, Head was still impressive. In the second innings of that match, the 30-year-old scored 89 runs, possibly hinting at what was to come in the subsequent matches.
In the second (pink-ball) Test at his home ground in Adelaide, Head played a magnificent knock of 140 off 141 balls in the first innings. Now, in the third Test at The Gabba, he has followed up with a brilliant 152 off 160 balls, marking two consecutive centuries and bringing his total to three centuries against India and nine in his Test career.
One common factor in both innings was Head’s dominance over the Indian bowlers. His ability to play both the pacers and spinners with ease, while consistently rotating the strike and finding gaps, made his knocks a delight for Aussie fans.
This raises the question: which innings was more impressive — his knock in Adelaide or at The Gabba? To answer that, let's examine some key factors and analyze which century stands out the most.
#1 Lead-up to the game
India were coming off a 3-0 clean sweep defeat against New Zealand at home and were under intense pressure, especially with Rohit Sharma absent for the first game. However, stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, along with brilliant batting performances from KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli, turned things around, leading them to a 295-run victory in the first Test.
Ahead of the second Test, Australia faced heavy criticism for their poor batting performance. After a crushing loss and with the added pressure of a pink-ball Test under lights, the stakes were high.
Australia desperately needed someone to step up with the bat, and Travis Head responded with a blistering knock. His explosive 140 off 141 balls powered Australia to 337, giving them a commanding 157-run lead and a dominant 10-wicket win.
Travis Head's second century came in the third Test at The Gabba, a ground where Australia have traditionally thrived. By this stage, the pressure on the hosts had eased somewhat, as they had equalized the series with a dominant 10-wicket victory. This allowed Head the freedom to play more naturally, without the burden of needing a win.
#2 Match situation
In the second Test at Adelaide Oval, Australia made a strong start by dismissing India for just 180 runs. To build a solid lead, they needed a big score, and Travis Head delivered with a brilliant counterattack. His aggressive 140 off 141 balls was a display of flawless timing and power, finding gaps and hitting the ball to all parts of the ground.
Despite India’s bowlers taking wickets at one end, they couldn’t break Head’s resolve. He single-handedly steadied the innings, guiding Australia to a competitive total of 337 and a commanding 157-run lead. This knock proved pivotal, setting up Australia for a 10-wicket win.
Meanwhile, Head’s 152 off 160 balls at the Gabba was equally impressive but more controlled and strategic. Supported by Steve Smith, who scored 101, the pair put on a 241-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
While the Adelaide innings was all about aggressive counterattacking, the Gabba knock was about patience, playing the long game, and making the most of the conditions. This knock helped Australia surpass 400, with still three wickets in hand.
#3 Pitch conditions
The Adelaide pitch is usually favorable for batting, but the pink ball adds extra challenges, offering more seam and swing for the bowlers. The conditions were tougher for the batters than anticipated, but Head’s ability to take on the bowlers was outstanding.
His performance on this tricky pitch, where India couldn’t even reach 200 in either innings, highlighted his adaptability and exceptional batting skill.
Meanwhile, during the third Test, despite the Gabba pitch being known for offering plenty of seam movement, Indian pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah was heard saying on Day 1 that the ball wasn't swinging as expected.
Although the Indian bowlers, particularly Bumrah, took some early wickets on the morning of Day 2, the conditions improved after a couple of hours. As the pitch settled, Steven Smith and Travis Head played their natural game, steadily taking control of the match and shifting the momentum away from India.
Travis Head’s two centuries came in different circumstances, yet both were crucial to the series. His 140 in Adelaide, played under pressure in a pink-ball Test, had a greater impact. With Australia in a difficult position, Head’s aggressive knock swung the momentum in their favor. On the other hand, his 152 at The Gabba was more composed, highlighting his growing maturity as a player.
While the Adelaide century was key to Australia’s fightback in the series, his Brisbane knock was a strong statement of his authority, supported by Steven Smith’s solid contribution at the other end. Considering the pressure and match-changing influence, Head’s 140 in Adelaide stands out as the more impressive innings.