World Cup 2023: The wicket got better as the day went on – Travis Head after match-winning knock in the final

Australian opener Travis Head admitted that the wicket got better in the second innings after they registered a convincing win of six wickets in the World Cup final against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday. Australia came up with a fine bowling performance as they skittled out India on 241 runs after electing to field first.

Shubman Gill was the first to go as Mitchell Starc struck early. KL Rahul top scored with 66 runs whereas Virat Kohli scored 54 runs but none of the other batters could show intent after Rohit Sharma scored a quickfire 31-ball 47 at the top of the order to help his team team race to 80-2 after 10 overs. But the team veered off the track in the middle overs as they could only manage 117 runs in the next 30 overs.

On the other hand, Australia also lost quick wickets as they found themselves in a pickle situation at 47-3 after Bumrah and Shami struck early. However, Travis Head didn’t veer off the plan as he scored a brilliant knock of 137 runs off just 120 balls with the help of 15 fours and four sixes.

Head batted at the top of his game and added 192 runs with Marnus Labuschagne, who also played a vital knock of 58 runs. The left-hander played with an aggressive approach and got the job done for the Pat Cummins-led team.

Ergo, Head was awarded Player of the Match for his fine knock in the final. He also joined the likes of Mohinder Amarnath, Aravinda de Silva, and Shane Warne to win Player of the Match in semifinal and final of a World Cup.

In fact, Head was initially not part of Australia’s World Cup squad because of the broken finger but made a resounding return to the team.

Head said after the game, “Never expected this, not in a million years, truly an exceptional day. Lot better than sitting on the couch at home. Really glad to contribute, the first twenty balls I played gave me a lot of confidence and yea I was able to carry through. The way Mitch Marsh came out and took the game on, he set the tone. That was the energy we wanted and we knew the wicket may get tough.”

Lauding Cummins decision to bowl first, Head said, “It was a great decision to bowl first after winning the toss. I felt the wicket got better as the day went on. It took a little bit of spin, it paid dividends. Nice to be a part of it, nice to play a role in all of that.”

Head also took a fine catch of Rohit Sharma while running back and it was a big dismissal for Australia as the Indian skipper was going all guns blazing.

Head said, “He’s (Rohit Sharma) probably the unluckiest man in the world. Again, it’s (fielding) something that I worked hard on. I couldn’t imagine getting a hundred, couldn’t probably imagine holding onto that one. Was great to hold on to that catch. Important to look after your team-mates, to be able to do that on the big stage in front of a full house is a nice thing.”

On joining the list of centurions in World Cup finals – (Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist), Head said, Definitely third on that list, it’s a nice one to join, nice to be here and nice to contribute. I’ll just tell the boys that I’m looking forward to the reunion.”

Head played a key role in Australia’s success and deserves a lot of credit for the way he batted in the run-chase despite the pressure.