Travis Head walked to the crease brimming with confidence. His recent form has been exceptional, with centuries in his last two Test matches.
Head’s dominance was evident.
Australia had been in a commanding position with a lead of over 200 runs in the second innings when Head arrived at the crease. The intention was to accelerate the scoring.
Travis Head entered the fray with Australia at 16 for 3, having lost two quick wickets. He was just starting to find his rhythm when Mohammad Siraj delivered a short-pitched ball, directed at the stumps, leaving Head little room to manoeuvre.
Head attempted a pull shot, clearing his front leg and swinging across the line. He top-edged the ball, sending it high towards the gully region. Rishabh Pant called for the catch and positioned himself underneath, securing the crucial wicket. Head departed for 17 runs, his strike rate a modest 89.47.
A young fan in the crowd, sporting a Virat Kohli jersey, erupted in celebration, mirroring the sentiments of many Indian fans after Head’s dismissal. The fan’s excitement was palpable.
Watch: Young fan in Virat Kohli jersey steals hearts with reaction to Head’s dismissal
Australia, aiming for quick runs, collapsed to 33 for 5. Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah dismantled the top order, dismissing the top four batsmen for single-digit scores. This followed their valiant last-wicket partnership the previous day, which had helped India avoid the follow-on.
Australian captain Pat Cummins declared the innings closed at 89 for 7, setting India a challenging target of 275 runs. Dark clouds loomed over the ground, adding another layer of uncertainty to the match.
Australia’s hopes of forcing a result were always weather-dependent. Their chances of victory were already slim, compounded by the absence of a key bowler.
Josh Hazlewood, a seasoned pace bowler, was sidelined with a calf injury. Concerns also lingered over the fitness of all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who had bowled only two overs in the match.
Travis Head was awarded Player of the Match for his magnificent 152 in Australia’s first innings. This followed another impressive century in the second Test victory in Adelaide.