Travis Head! Isn’t he what Australia was badly missing. He looked solid in the first innings and in the second, his vital addition to the team is proving to be a game changing move.
Despite the clinical effort from the Indian lower batting order, Nathan Lyon’s fifer hitters and Travis Head’s explosive late cameo in his debut innings opening the batting have placed Australia in the lead in the second Test.
Towards the end of the day, Australia had reached 1-61, with a lead of 62 and Marnus Labuschagne still not out at the other end on 16. They had also head-smashed five boundaries and a six off dangerman Ashwin.
It happened after Rohit Sharma’s shrewd leadership cost Usman Khawaja, who had just finished leading in scoring with 81 in the first innings.
In total, it was good decision to go aggressive while setting foot in the innings. Australia were lacking what Travis Head has provided them in this innings. For a few time now, it was talking point that who will be best suited for opening position.
David Warner was strangled and couldn’t find his rhythm in all three innings where his best score was 15 runs. Head has provided the start that was due to australian innings.
Australia hasn’t gone completely ahead in the game but they are certainly in an dominant position with 60 runs lead. India knows that they have restrict Australia under 250. Anything above that will only put extra pressure on the team.
Tommorow’s first session will decide where the match will go. If India succeeds to trap couple of wickets early then it will become more interesting. However, the way Australia is batting, if they get to bat 15 overs more without losing a wicket, then they will tighten their grip on the match.
For now, the match is equally poised. Travis Head will play a big role. His wicket will be the big price Indian bowlers will look far. Then there is Steve Smith and Peter Handscomb, both adept at negotiating spinners in big innings.