Difficult to contain Head, says Shastri

Travis Heads' ability to judge the short ball quite early is behind the Australian batter’s phenomenal success in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series, feels former India cricketer Ravi Shastri, while adding on a lighter note that the visitors would like to have a balm for the ‘Headache’.

Head, after being dismissed for 11 in his first innings of the series, has gone on to score 89, 140 and 152 in his next three outings. He played a pivotal role in the pink ball Test that Australia won by 10 wickets to level the five-match series 1-1.

“I think he (Head) is very smart. From what I saw of him three years ago, he has improved immensely. Especially with the way he plays the short ball. He’s prepared to leave it. He has learned to leave it well at times,” Shastri said.

The former India coach added that Head’s ability to judge the delivery’s line and length quickly gives him time to play the right stroke.

“It’s not a big shot all the time off a short delivery angled at his armpits or something. He’s prepared to either ride it or go for the big shots. And if it is middle, middle and off, then he hits it in front of square as well,” Shastri said.

The Indian legend further said when on song, Head is difficult to stop.

“He picks up length very well. That’s one of his great strengths. And he has a flashing blade for the offside. So he’s a hard man to contain. And he’s in the form of his life.” On a lighter note, Shastri said India are looking for a balm for a ‘headache’ called Travis.