Travis Head who was picked in Australia’s World Cup 2023 squad despite an injury repaid selectors' faith in the semifinal. After three disappointing performances, Head stood up to the task in the big game and contributed with a double strike with the ball followed by a 48-ball 62 in the run chase against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He was named ‘Player of the match’ for his all-round performance in the semifinal where he praised India’s bowling attack ahead of facing them in the final on November 19.
“Unbelievable attack. Never dreamed of being in a World Cup final against the team of the comp so far," Head told the broadcasters after Australia’s three-wicket win over Temba Bavuma-led side.
After Head departed, South Africa made a comeback and it was Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc who took Australia to the final with a crucial unbeaten 22-run partnership for the eighth wicket with 16 balls left to spare. He was surprised that the pitch offered so much spin.
“Hard to unpack all of that. Tense finish, amazing game. We knew how it (surface) was going to play. Having had three or four days here, you go to bed and think about it. The wickets have been unbelievable, haven't seen much spin but we knew it was going to be a grind,” the opener said.
Head did not play in Australia’s initial games and made his first appearance against New Zealand in Dharamsala where he scored 109 in a high-scoring encounter. “Thought I wasn't going to be here, just want to contribute for Australia,” he said.
Head turned out to the man with the golden arm for Australia. He extracted more spin than Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell. After conceding two boundaries he got the wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen in his first over.
“Straight as they come. I was under the pump, not sure how it got through. Seeing the wicket, was prepared to bowl a few overs. Always keen,” the part-time off-spinner said.
Head had an attacking approach right from the start and made use of two dropped chances by smashing nine fours and two sixes to push the scoring rate and make the Proteas nervous. But he was disappointed to get out to Keshav Maharaj.
“We've had that positive approach, trying to get ahead of the rate. Disappointed to get out how I did, that's the match-up for me but it wasn't to be,” he added.
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