Star Australian batter Travis Head is not just the biggest nemesis of Team India but also one of their biggest nightmares. He has troubled India time and again. His knocks in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup Finals in 2023 have already denied Rohit Sharma-led side two ICC trophies. He didn't stop there as he continued his onslaught against India in the recent Adelaide Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025, as he piled misery on them by smashing a match-winning century in Australia's 10-wicket win to level the five-match series 2-1. Now, the series moves to Gabba, Brisbane where both sides will be trying to gain the lead.
Gabba to play Kryptonite for Head
However, Head's recent stats on the Gabba ground have not been that resounding. He has been dismissed on a golden duck in his last three innings on the ground. One of them came against South Africa and then two against West Indies earlier this year.
Head was swinging down leg in the first two in the streak, giving the wicketkeeper regulation edges off Kemar Roach and Kagiso Rabada, respectively. Then Shamar Joseph, who took seven wickets to lead the Windies to victory, picked the third one on the list with a scorching around-the-stumps yorker. This time, visitors may have a closer look at Head's first impetuosity. Head has been dismissed on zero five times since he began his Test career in 2018 with a nine-ball duck in Dubai. It is interesting to note that four of them were at-home and first-ballers.
Both teams eye winning lead in Gabba
For both teams, the Brisbane Test at the Gabba presents a formidable obstacle. In Adelaide, India's batting order faltered against the Australian pace attack, and Hazlewood's comeback is anticipated to strengthen Australia's squad even more. Hazlewood, who is renowned for his accuracy and ability to take advantage of bounce and seam movement, makes things more difficult for Indian batters trying to make a comeback.
Hazlewood's inclusion gives Cummins a tactical advantage as Australia looks to continue dominating the series. Given that the Gabba pitch is known for helping fast bowlers, Hazlewood's comeback is well-timed. As the visitors get ready for a comeback, Cummins emphasized the significance of keeping up their momentum and applying pressure to India.
On the other hand, India will be hoping to recover from a poor performance in Adelaide. Hazlewood's return, combined with that of Starc and Cummins, prepares the Indian hitters for a difficult challenge. With both teams preparing for a fierce struggle, the Brisbane Test will probably be crucial in determining the series' conclusion as it heats up.