Hometown hero Travis turns Test Australia's way, India face defeat

Aggressive batter hit a 141-ball 140, having struck winning tons vs India in ODI World Cup and WTC final

- ASHISH MAGOTRA

Travis Head has had two careers. In his first avatar, between December 6, 2018 and December 29, 2020, he played six Tests against India and scored 299 runs at an average of 29.90. Then he took a break, went away and came back on February 17, 2023. Between then and now, in his next six Tests, he has scored 656 runs at an average of 65.60.

The difference is stark and it is one that India can't forget. Head finds a way to make telling contributions against them - the ODI World Cup final, the World Test Championship final and now here in Adelaide. When he gets going, Australia usually win.

The loudest cheer of Day 2 was heard when Travis Head came out to bat at the Adelaide Oval. It didn't matter that Steve Smith had just been dismissed for two or that Australia had been reduced to 103/3. The crowd recognised their hometown hero walking out and let rip.

Head didn't disappoint. Just as Australia don't get Bumrah, India don't get Head. They have no idea how to counter him, and while he is there in the middle his aggressive approach often leaves the Indians scratching their heads in frustration.