Travis Head continues to strengthen his case for a maiden plunge into the unknown in India next month after crunching a quickfire 70 in Australia’s first innings against South Africa at the SCG.
While day two of the final Test of the summer belonged to Usman Khawaja (195 not out) and Steve Smith (104), Head was far more entertaining and audacious with 70 runs from 59 balls after coming to the crease with Australia in total command at 3-356.
With Australia on the hunt for quick runs, Head was the perfect person to take the game on as South Africa once again wilted in disappointing fashion.
Head’s nine boundaries (eight fours and one six) typified a player in total control of his game, particularly in third and fourth gear.
It’s been a golden summer for Head, with 525 runs from seven innings at an average of 87.5.
The most eye-catching element of his five Tests against the West Indies and South Africa has been his strike rate of 95.1. His ability to counterpunch and play through the line of the ball with freedom has been a significant improvement to his game.
Travis Head bats on day two at the SCG. Credit:Getty
Head was eventually out, caught in the deep, trying to pull Kagiso Rabada over deep square leg into the Bill O’Reilly Stand.
At one point it looked as though Head could have eclipsed David Warner’s record for the fastest Test century at the SCG. Warner brought up triple figures before lunch on day one against Pakistan in 2017 from 78 balls.
The disparity between Head’s record at home and on the road has been well documented. He averages 57.4 in Australia and 21.69 in away Tests.
“It was pretty entertaining, wasn’t it?” said Smith when asked about Head’s innings after play. “I love sitting back watching him go about it. At the moment, he’s just batting with such confidence and such freedom. He’s incredibly difficult to bowl to, particularly when you’ve got a decent score already on the board and we’ve drained the bowlers a little bit.
“Throughout the summer he’s played innings when the bowlers have been fresh and just counter-punched them, so he’s a great No.5 for us at the moment. He’s playing beautifully and long may that continue.”
While securing a series clean sweep over South Africa is important to qualify for the World Test Championship final later this year, a four-Test tour of India beginning next month is as difficult an assignment as it gets for Pat Cummins’ side.
Head’s innings on Thursday was important in the context of the upcoming India series for a number of reasons.
Of all the pitches this summer, the SCG strip is the closest thing to what Australia will face in India.
Whilst not a raging turner by any means, it is a pitch that is expected to become more spinner friendly as the match wears on.
While Proteas tweaker Simon Harmer returned figures of 1-109 off 31 overs, they certainly don’t reflect his promise with the ball.
Head continued to use his feet, as evidenced by his six down the ground, and his offside play to balls spinning away has improved. In India, his technique will be tested in every way possible.
The South Australian left-hander has not played a Test in India but if he can replicate his home form in the subcontinent, it could be the making of him as a player.
For all the quiet optimism around Australia’s chances of winning a series in India for the first time since 2004, it’s worth remembering their opponents have lost just two home Tests in the past 10 years.
There was the Test against Australia in Pune in 2017, remembered for Steve O’Keefe’s 12-wicket haul, as well as a defeat to England in 2021 in Chennai.
Head is an under-the-radar trump card for Australia in India and on the evidence of the past few weeks, he’s going to give himself every chance to flourish.
