Australia star batter Travis Head shared insights into his approach against India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah after his scintillating 151 off 160 balls on Day 2 of the Brisbane Test. Speaking to Star Sports, Head emphasised staying positive and credited some initial luck in surviving Bumrah’s lethal spell. The left-hander backed his Adelaide century with another masterclass, solidifying his position as Australia’s most in-form batter in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
After rain washed out Day 1, India relied on Jasprit Bumrah to provide a strong start on Day 2. As expected, Bumrah dismissed openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeny early in quick succession. Nitish Kumar Reddy then claimed local hero Marnus Labuschagne, leaving Australia under pressure. However, Head, in partnership with Steve Smith, rescued the innings with a monumental 241-run stand for the fourth wicket.
AUS vs IND, 3rd Test Day 2: Highlights
“He (Jasprit Bumrah) goes for the base of the stumps early. But I think it’s about reacting. He has a good bouncer. He’s got brilliant wicket-taking balls, for me it is about being positive against him. Doesn’t mean that I need to score runs against him, but more about being proactive with my forward defense,” Head said.
It was Bumrah yet again who ended the dangerous partnership, dismissing both Head and Smith in quick succession. The Indian spearhead capped his remarkable performance with the wicket of Mitchell Marsh, completing a well-deserved five-wicket haul, his 12th in Test cricket. However, Bumrah’s brilliance was not complemented by the rest of the Indian bowling unit. With Nitish Reddy dismissing Labuschagne, and Mohammed Siraj getting only one late wicket of Pat Cummins, Day 2 exposed India’s over-reliance on Bumrah.
This lack of support for Bumrah has been a recurring theme, as pointed out by fans and experts, including former coach Ravi Shastri. While Bumrah continues to deliver standout performances, India’s inability to sustain pressure collectively has allowed Australia to dominate. Head’s performance, backed by Smith’s steady knock, pushed Australia to 405/7 at stumps on Day 2, leaving India’s bowlers under scrutiny.
As Day 3 looms, India’s batters face the daunting task of countering Australia’s bowling attack to stay in the game, with the total looking ominously high.
