Adelaide: Australian batter Travis Head has lavished praise on India’s pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah, calling him “one of the greatest fast bowlers to play the game.” Head, reflecting on his experience of facing Bumrah, said he would proudly tell his grandchildren about the challenge of tackling the Indian maestro.
“Jasprit will go down as probably one of the greatest fast bowlers to ever play the game,” Head said on Monday. “It’s a special experience to face him. I think in the future, I’ll look back on my career and be proud to tell my grandkids I faced him.”
Bumrah’s Dominance in Perth
Bumrah showcased his brilliance during the first Test in Perth, leading India to a record 295-run victory. As captain, Bumrah spearheaded the attack with a match haul of 8/72, dismantling Australia’s batting lineup with his precision and pace. His remarkable consistency has cemented his status as the world’s premier fast bowler this year.
Earlier in 2024, Bumrah was named Player of the Series in the T20 World Cup, where his performances were instrumental in India’s title-winning campaign.
Head Reflects on Perth Test and Australian Batting Struggles
Head was the only Australian batter to score a half-century in Perth, while established names like Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne failed to fire. Despite his strong showing, Head humorously remarked that his teammates are unlikely to seek his batting advice.
“They’re not coming to me for tips, that’s for sure,” he said. “Everyone has their own methods and approaches to dealing with bowlers like Bumrah, who is incredibly unique.”
The Australian team regrouped on Monday after a short break, focusing on preparations for the second Test.
Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide: A New Challenge
The second Test, a day-night pink-ball encounter, will be played at the Adelaide Oval, the same venue where India famously collapsed for just 36 runs in 2020. Reflecting on that game, Head said, “I remember it was a short Test, and we got to enjoy Adelaide afterward. Hopefully, we can replicate that result, but I don’t think a similar scenario will unfold this week.”
Both teams come into the game with varying levels of experience in pink-ball cricket. India played a practice game recently, while Australia’s last day-night Test was in January. However, Head believes both sides are experienced enough to adapt quickly.
No Rifts in the Australian Camp
Head dismissed any talk of a divide between Australia’s batting and bowling units following comments from Josh Hazlewood after the first Test.
“There’s no divide in the team,” Head clarified. “Both the batters and bowlers hold themselves to high standards. We know how often the bowlers have rescued us in the past, and as batters, we take pride in setting up strong totals to give them a platform to dominate.”
Confidence in a Comeback
Despite the crushing defeat in Perth, Head expressed confidence in Australia’s ability to bounce back. “This team has handled adversity well over the years. We didn’t have a good week in Perth, but we’ve got four more chances to turn things around,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from teams that have recovered from early setbacks, Head concluded, “There have been plenty of teams that have lost the first Test and gone on to win the series. We aim to do the same.”
The second Test begins on Friday, with both teams looking to gain momentum in this highly anticipated series.
