For Australian batter Travis Head, the 2021–23 World Test Championship (WTC), WTC Final cycle has been nothing short of amazing.
Head has undoubtedly been one of Australia’s most influential batters and has played some incredible knocks in the crucial situations.
With his counterattack, Head forces the bowlers and the opposing captain to alter their strategies and go on the defensive much earlier than expected.
Three of Travis Head’s greatest counterattacking strikes in Test cricket
India experienced precisely the same thing during the current WTC final. On that note, let’s take a look at the three of the best counter-attacking knocks that Travis Head has played in Tests:
3. England vs 152 (148), at Brisbane in 2021
The game against England in Brisbane may have been the one that officially announced Travis Head’s successful comeback.
Australia had a chance to bat heavily after bowling England out for 147 in the first innings.
It was Travis Head’s counterattack that caught England off guard, despite the respectable half-centuries scored by David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne.
On a wicket that wasn’t particularly conducive to fluid strokes, he continued to play his shots.
Thanks to that amazing 152-run innings, Australia eventually cruised to a nine-wicket victory.
2. 92(96) vs. South Africa, at Brisbane in 2022
Another impressive performance in Brisbane, but this one was extra special because hardly any other batters from Australia or South Africa were able to have a significant impact.
Travis Head may have played an innings of a lifetime. But the Test match was over in a matter of days.
When Head entered the batting order, Australia was 27/3. Despite the challenging circumstances, Head started off strong.
On a pitch where Head could have been eliminated by any delivery, Head’s ultra-attacking strategy appeared to work perfectly.
In the second innings, South Africa crumbled under the weight of Australia’s decisive 66-run lead.
1. India vs. 146*(156), World Championship final 2023, The Oval
Travis Head is unbeaten at 146 against India in the WTC final 2023 at The Oval. He may be having his best Test innings ever.
He once again entered the field to bat in difficult circumstances with the Indian team playing their best.
But starting at 76/3, Head played some truly amazing shots and ultimately batted with Steve Smith the entire day.
The southpaw batsman appeared to be batting at a completely different level, even though Indian bowlers may have been guilty of not trying enough short-pitched bowling at Head.
With this counterattacking knock, Travis Head may have put Australia on the verge of winning the WTC final as he headed toward what could be an incredible double-hundred.
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