[Watch] Travis Head takes on Mohammed Siraj and perishes for 17 in BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Team India successfully used the short ball tactics against Travis Head on Day 5 (Wednesday, December 18) of the third Border-Gavaskar series Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. As a result, the first innings centurion walked back for just 17 runs off 19 deliveries, leaving the hosts reeling at 60/6 during their second essay.
The dismissal came in the 15th over of Australia’s second innings. Mohammed Siraj bowled a short-of-length delivery outside off and Head went for a pull shot down the ground before getting a top edge that flew towards gully. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant made the call loud and clear before completing the catch.
Watch the video below:
This was Pant’s second consecutive catch of the day. He took a brilliant catch diving towards his left to dismiss Steve Smith off the same bowler.
With Travis Head’s wicket, the visitors ensured that Australia did not post a mammoth total. The left-handed batter had smashed 152 in the first innings of the Test match. Meanwhile, Australia have declared at 89/7 in the second innings. The tourists need 275 runs to win the match.
“They haven’t started with a short-pitch bowling strategy” – When Adam Gilchrist revealed short ball for Travis Head after 2nd BGT Test
After the Adelaide Test, former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist pointed out how India didn’t use the short ball ploy against Travis Head, which put him in trouble during the three-match Test series against New Zealand earlier this year. He recently 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.”
Despite getting out cheaply, Head remains the leading run-getter in the five-game series. The 30-year-old has amassed 409 runs in five innings at an average of 81.80. His scores read 11 & 89, 140, and 152 & 17 in the three Tests, respectively.
Follow the IND vs AUS 3rd Test live score and updates here.