Happy Birthday Travis Head: Revisiting Some Brilliant Knocks by the Aussie Batsman

Just a couple of days after scoring a sensational century in Australia vs New Zealand second Test, Travis Head celebrates his 26th birthday. Born on December 29, 1996, Head is a prolific left-handed batsman and a useful off-spin bowler. At the start of his career, the southpaw was regarded as a T20 specialist. However, Head went on to prove his mettle cross all formats and many even regard him to be the next big thing in Indian cricket. In his short career, the left-handed batsman has played some spectacular knocks and below, we’ll look at some of them. Tim Paine Took the Pressure Off Me, Says Travis Head after Scoring His 2nd Test Ton. 

Head burst into the scene during the 2015-16 Big Bash League season where he played some flabbergasting innings for Adelaide Strikers and played a crucial role in his side’s successful campaign. The southpaw didn’t take long in earning a national call-up and made his ODI and T20I debut in January 2016. He has been in and out of the side but also has registered some magnificent performances. Head’s Test debut came in October 2018 and the batsman grabbed the opportunity with both the hands and became a regular in the side. So, as the Aussie turns 26, let’s look at some of his best innings.

101* Against Sydney Sixers in Adelaide

Chasing a total of 177 runs against the Sydney Sixers in the 2015-16 season of Big Bash League, the left-handed batsman stepped up and played a prolific knock. Coming to bat at number four, Head attacked the bowlers from the outset and smashed them to all parts of the ground. He went on to score a century off just 53 balls and guided his side to a five-wicket triumph.

128 Against Pakistan in Adelaide

The dashing left-handed batsman was given a chance to open the innings during Pakistan’s 2017 Tour of Australia and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. In the fifth ODI of the series, Head paced his innings to perfection and scored his maiden century in One Day Internationals. He scored 128 runs in total and helped his side post 369 runs in the first innings. In reply, the Men in Green tried to make a comeback but fell 57 runs short of the target.

161 Against Sri Lanka in Canberra

A huge void was created in the Australian batting line-up when David Warner and Steve Smith faced a one-year ban. However, their ouster gave a chance to Head to showcase his skills in the longest format and the batsman didn’t disappoint. In the third Test of Sri Lanka’s 2019 Tour of Australia, the hosts were tottering at 28/3 and the youngster came for the rescue. He joint forces with Joe Burns and notched up 308 runs for the fourth wicket. His effort guided the hosts to 534 runs in the first innings and a 366-run triumph.

114 Against New Zealand in Melbourne

His latest heroics came in the second Test of New Zealand’s 2019-20 Tour down under which is underway. In the first innings of the match, Head looked at his prime as he brilliantly tackled the likes of Trent Boult and Tim Southee and went on to play a stellar knock. He scored the second ton of his Test career and guided his side to 467 runs in the first innings. In reply, the Kiwis could only manage 144 runs in the first innings and their defeat certainly looks inevitable.

With the ICC World Test Championship being underway, Head will have the onus to extend his brilliant form and guide his side to the title. Also, the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 will be played on Australian soil and Head’s consistent performances could well earn him a berth in Australia’s squad for the gala tournament.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2019 08:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).