“I've seen New Zealand use it effectively before” - Australian legend suggests tactic for India to tackle Travis Head threat in 3rd BGT 2024-25 Test
Former Australia player Adam Gilchrist has suggested how India can tackle the threat of Travis Head in the upcoming third Test against Australia in Brisbane, which starts on Saturday, December 14. Gilchrist pointed out how the visitors have failed to use the short-ball ploy against Head, who smashed 89 and 14 in the first two Tests in Perth and Adelaide, respectively.
The 53-year-old added that New Zealand used the plan to their favor earlier this year. Notably, Head managed just 69 runs in his four innings in the two-match series against the Kiwis. The Adelaide-born player has been dismissed via caught out 35 times in Tests, which accounts for 44.3 percent of dismissals.
Adam Gilchrist told SEN Cricket (via India Today):
"The India-Travis Head match-up is interesting. I can't believe they haven't started with a short-pitch bowling strategy against him and stuck with it. He'll take it on and might score some runs, but I've seen New Zealand use it effectively before. It's about making your plans clear and challenging the batter-forcing him to take risks to escape the pressure.”
Head’s 141 played a significant role in helping the Aussies level the five-game series 1-1 by registering a 10-wicket win in the second Test. He was dropped by Mohammed Siraj on 70.
“I’ve fallen victim to those boundaries myself” – Adam Gilchrist explains how Travis Head might fall into the above ploy
Adam Gilchrist further explained Travis Head might fall into the trap if India bowlers woo him with short-square boundaries. He said in the same interaction:
"He's got a hold of them by the scruff of the neck. I don't know what to do. Short square boundaries in Adelaide seem to attract left-handers. I've fallen victim to those boundaries myself. The three left-handers you mentioned have handled it better than I ever could at that ground.”
Travis Head has departed for three consecutive golden ducks against England, South Africa and West Indies in his last three Test outings in Brisbane. The southpaw still averages 50.29, scoring 352 runs in five Tests (seven innings) at the venue. He will now look to continue his purple patch against India and end his dry run in Brisbane.