India has Jasprit Bumrah, while Australia features Travis Head. Bumrah has primarily carried the bowling responsibilities during the initial stages of the series, receiving only intermittent support from Mohammed Siraj. In contrast, Head has benefited from more substantial contributions from his teammates, which has been a key factor in the series being tied at 1-1.

On Sunday, during the second day of the third Test at the Gabba, both players showcased their skills once again. Bumrah faced a more challenging situation, having to bowl with an older, less responsive ball after the first 35 overs. Head entered the match midway through the 34th over, following the efforts of Usman Khawaja (54 runs), Nathan McSweeney (49 runs), and Marnus Labuschagne (55 runs), who had established a solid foundation for him.

Due to Head's position at No. 5, his encounters with Bumrah have not been as compelling as they might have been under different circumstances. Had Australia found themselves at 25 for three, the scenario would likely have been altered. However, by the time the aggressive left-hander came to the crease this morning, Bumrah had already bowled 11 overs.

Steve Smith, one of the two centurions in Australia’s total of 405 for seven, commented on the evolving dynamics of batting in Australia over the past three years, following changes to the Kookaburra ball and the introduction of more lively pitches. The former captain discussed the challenges of batting during the first 35 overs and how the difficulty diminishes thereafter, as the ball ages but remains hard, providing little movement for bowlers while allowing batters to play aggressively, as Head demonstrated.

Indomitable Mind.

It would be unjust to characterize Head's pyrotechnics as simply indulging in the opportunities presented by his predecessors in the batting lineup, even if there is some truth to that assertion. Nevertheless, Head has been in remarkable form since his initial innings setback in Perth. His subsequent appearances at the crease have resulted in scores of 89 (101 balls), 140 (141 balls), and now 152 (160 balls). The volume and pace of his scoring reflect his confidence, his command over the Indian bowling attack, and his ability to direct the ball to unconventional areas of the field, rendering field placements nearly impossible.

Head possesses an exceptional eye and boasts two of the most remarkable pairs of hands in contemporary cricket. He exemplifies the philosophy of aggressive batting, fully embracing the notion of striking hard when the opportunity arises. His fearless approach allows him to take risks, and when successful, particularly against India, it elevates his performance to a level that others can only aspire to reach.

Bumrah predominantly relies on his right hand, which is equipped with an extraordinary wrist and a hyperextended elbow, enabling him to execute unconventional deliveries. While his non-bowling hand serves as a supportive element, it is his right hand that generates the lethal pace and movement, often leaving even the most accomplished batsmen in disarray—except for Travis Head.

Bumrah's tenacity makes it challenging for batsmen to leave deliveries that fall within the fourth or fifth stump line. His natural angle of delivery suggests that the ball will consistently move in—either from over the stumps to a right-hander or around to a left-hander. However, when he manages to straighten the ball from that wide release point, he frequently finds the outside edge. The wicketkeeper and slips are always alert when Bumrah is bowling, but that is not his sole method of taking wickets. He possesses a formidable yorker that he is willing to deploy in Test matches, alongside his variations in pace. This versatility is a key reason why he is widely regarded as a complete bowler.

Read Also: Gujarat Splurges on Simran and Dottin; Sneh Rana Remains Unsold

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!