In the last few years, Travis Head has been a nemesis for India, and on two occasions gave them heartbreaks in two ICC tournament finals. Head has a knack for scoring centuries in big games and did so in the Test Championship final and later that year in the ODI World Cup final, both against India. Head's ability as a batter makes him a perfect fit in the Australian setup in all formats and in all conditions.
His rise to fame was in the 2015-16 BBL season when he slammed a sensational century to hand Adelaide Strikers an impossible victory over the Sydney Sixers. In weeks time he was picked for a home T20I series against India.
Head's journey in international cricket has been one of perseverance and adaptation. A batter who is excellent against pace and spin, also has the ability to control the tempo of his innings according to the match scenario. Initially overlooked for the 2016 T20 World Cup squad, Head steadily made his mark in Australian cricket circles. His breakthrough came in ODIs, where he became a linchpin in the middle order, offering stability and firepower when needed.
In 2017, Head showcased his versatility by briefly opening the innings in ODIs. His debut as an opener was remarkable, scoring a century and forming a historic partnership with David Warner. However, this experiment was short-lived, and Head reverted to his role in the middle order, often serving as a floater depending on the team's needs.
While Head's form dipped in ODIs leading up to the 2019 World Cup, he found a new avenue in Test cricket following the ball-tampering saga. Despite a shaky start, he proved his mettle with notable performances, particularly in the Ashes series. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute consistently earned him a spot as a regular member across formats for Australia. In 2021-22, Head had a standout home Ashes series, where he was named Player of the Series for his exceptional batting performances, including two centuries. His crucial contributions were instrumental in Australia's victory in the World Test Championship over India. Additionally, Head's adaptability shone through as he seamlessly transitioned to the opener's role following Aaron Finch's retirement.
Heading into the 2023 World Cup, Head's participation was hampered by an injury sustained during a series against South Africa. However, he remained in the squad and made a significant impact upon his return, playing a pivotal role in Australia's victory over India in the final where he scored a match-winning century. Head was one of the leading run-scorers in IPL 2024 playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, which also got him picked in Australia's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
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