Australia's explosive batter Travis Head has issued a stern warning to the Indian team ahead of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series opener will take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth, known for its notoriously bouncy pitches.
Travis Head cautions India of terrifying Perth wicket ahead of BGT opener
Head, who has firsthand experience of Perth's challenging conditions, recalls being dismissed twice at the third man in the last India-Australia Test match held there in 2018. He emphasized that certain parts of the Perth wicket can be incredibly intimidating, posing a significant challenge for batters.
"I do know that I've enjoyed batting here – in parts. There are parts of this wicket that can be terrifying, simple as that. I think everyone's talked about that. Depending on where the wicket goes to on day three, four and five, it can be challenging," Head told the Unplayable Podcast.
Even Virat Kohli, renowned for his exceptional performances in Australia, considers his Perth century as his finest knock Down Under, surpassing his twin centuries in Adelaide. Head, who averages over 40 at the venue, attributes this to the extreme challenge posed by the Perth wicket.
Head's return to the Australian team coincides with the birth of his second child. Despite limited preparation, having played only one Sheffield Shield match after his paternity leave, he is ready to face the daunting challenge of Perth's bouncy pitch. To prepare for the barrage of short-pitched bowling, Head practiced extensively with softer indoor cricket balls aimed at his body and head. The lighthearted nature of these training sessions, where he didn't even need protective gear, reflects the extreme conditions he expects to face.
"I did it a lot in England. I don't think I had a net session pretty much after the first Test that I faced cricket balls. I just faced yellow balls because I knew that (short balls) were all they were going to bowl me. When you're going through a long series, and I guess I was the one that copped it the most of that series, I thought I'd have a bit of a laugh and go to training without my pads - so that may come out again," Head further stated.
"I don't want a broken finger but I want to train it. It's not enjoyable to train and it's hard to do and visibility and wickets (makes it) not as (easy to bat against) as the centre," he concluded.
