Former Indian captain's honest verdict on Travis Head before Boxing Day Test, “Hard to stop”

Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri believes that Travis Head's ability to pre-empt the short ball is the reason behind the Australian batsman's unprecedented success in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series, while also saying on a lighter note that the visitors' Would like balm for balm's sake. Headache'. After being dismissed for 11 in his first innings of the series, Head scored 89, 140 and 152 in his next three innings. He played a key role in the pink ball Test which Australia won by 10 wickets to level the five-match series 1–1.

“I think he (Head) is very smart. He has improved a lot from what I saw of him three years ago. Especially the way he plays the short ball. He is willing to give it up. He has Have learned to leave well.” At times,” Shastri said on the ICC review.

The former India coach said Head's ability to quickly read the line and length of the delivery gives him time to play the right stroke.

“It's not a big shot all the time when he has the angle of the short ball on his armpit or something. He's either ready to run it or go for the big shot. And if it's mid on, mid on and off , then he hits it in front of square too,” Shastri said.

The Indian legend further said that it is difficult to stop the head when singing.

“He catches very good lengths. That's one of his great strengths. And he's got a flashing blade for offside. So he's a tough guy to control. And he's in the form of his life.” On a lighter note, Shastri said India was looking for a balm named Travis for 'headache'.

“Because his new nickname is Travis Head'ache,” Shastri said.

“They are looking for a balm in India. They are looking for a balm for foot problems, ankle problems (and) even headaches. He is ideal for that.” While Jasprit Bumrah has troubled almost every Australian batsman, Head has been an exception, playing the Indian with gusto.

Even where other Australian batsmen have struggled against Bumrah, who has taken 21 wickets at an average of 10.9 in the series, Head has scored 83 runs off 91 balls.

“We all knew he was dangerous, but the first shot he played off Jasprit Bumrah, that cover drive, off the front foot. It was a bit over the top in many ways, a good delivery, decent delivery. It told me,” Shastri said. , “He is a player in excellent form.”

The cricketer turned commentator said that Head's batting ability informed his well-organized mind.

“He showed exactly that (clear mind). And the thing with him is that there is nothing like that, his mindset is very clear. There is no cloudy mindset. He is very clear about the situation. That is my strength.”

Shastri said, “I am going to play in the same style. Yes, I will keep an eye on the game situation. I can go from fourth gear to third gear. But when my eyes fall on me, I will always be in third and fourth gear. ” Added.