IND vs AUS: Team India careful … this Australian batsman is ready to explode in the third test

New Delhi: Australia opener Travis Head has decided to maintain an aggressive approach against the Indian spinners in the third Test starting March 1 in Indore. Australia suffered a defeat inside day three of the second Test and the team remained that way after the match was over on Sunday. Opening batsman David Warner has returned home due to a fractured elbow and will open the innings with Usman Khawaja in the third Test starting March 1 in Indore.

He was not part of the team in the first Test of the series played in Nagpur. Asked about missing out on a place in the playing XI in Nagpur, Head said, “It was something I didn’t expect after coming here.” He said, ‘There was a lot of discussion about this. Everyone has different views on this. I respect the coaching staff and the selectors. I have a very strong relationship with him.

He said, ‘The day after the match started, I told myself that I am still on tour and playing for Australia. I am still doing what I love. I love to compete and play. But there is another way I can support the players and better prepare for my chance. I still feel I am in a great place. It was just a week that didn’t go my way.

Opening the innings for the first time in a Test match, Head batted aggressively and put the Indian spinners under pressure on the second day of the match. After his dismissal on the very first ball after the start of the third day’s play, India tightened the screws on the match. Australia lost nine wickets in 52 runs. Head said his 43 in the second innings at the Kotla gave him a lot of confidence.

He said, ‘He is a very skilful bowler, but I was really happy with the way he was going back and forth using his feet. It was a small glimpse but sometimes small samples are very encouraging. Australia are trailing 0-2 in the four-match series and Head also admitted that his team will have to work hard to bounce back in the series.

He said, ‘Our team is very strong and united. There will be times during the match when we are not in a strong position but that has to be dealt with. Circumstances will not happen as you wish.

“It will be a challenge for us in the next two weeks though. We have to see how to find the rhythm and then hold onto it. Have to support yourself amid the noise in a stadium full of spectators. Captain Pat Cummins has gone back home to be with his ailing mother and will miss the third Test. Head said that given the circumstances, it was more important for Cummins to stay in Australia.

He said, ‘We are a close-knit group, so a lot of people have interacted with him. He has very close friends here (in the team) and it is a difficult time for him. Head said, ‘Life is bigger than cricket and at this time it is more important for him to be at home than to be here. We support him as a team and find ways to carry on in someone’s absence.

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