India’s bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has disclosed that the team had devised a plan to target Australian batsman Travis Head with short-pitched deliveries during the crucial World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval in London.
After losing three wickets for just 76 runs in the first innings, Australia found themselves in a precarious position. However, an exceptional partnership between Head and Steve Smith, worth an unbeaten 251 runs, ensured that the Aussies finished the day in a commanding position.
Head emerged as the star of the day, displaying resilience and aggression at the crease. With an array of impressive strokes, the left-hander notched up a magnificent century, accumulating 146 unbeaten runs off 156 balls. His innings featured 22 boundaries and a maximum, showcasing his natural flair and talent.
India’s bowling coach, Mhambrey, acknowledged that the team had specifically discussed targeting Head with short-pitched deliveries. While the execution of the plan came a bit late, with the pacers Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami finding the right lengths after the tea break, Head’s composed mindset and adept strokeplay allowed him to counter the challenge posed by the Indian bowlers. His contribution played a crucial role in guiding Australia to a total of 327/3 on the first day of the match.
Moving into Day 2, the duo of Smith and Head will aim to build on their dominant partnership and set a formidable target for India. However, the Indian team will be eager to make early breakthroughs and regain control in the match. The contest promises to be an intriguing battle between the Australian batsmen and the Indian bowling attack as both sides seek to gain the upper hand.