Travis Head has been praised by Aakash Chopra for returning the Australian team management for their trust in him during the 2023 World Cup.
The Australians routed South Africa for 212 on Thursday in the second semifinal in Kolkata because to two significant wickets taken by Travis Head. Then, with 16 balls remaining, he scorched a 48-ball 62 to help his team win by three wickets and secure their place in Sunday’s final match against India in Ahmedabad.
In a video review of the match posted to his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra noted that Head’s inclusion in Australia’s World Cup squad-despite his absence at the beginning of the competition owing to a fracture in his left hand-paid off. He stated:
“You will have to say that this Australian team were carrying Travis Head with them despite knowing that he is not fully fit. He wasn’t available at the start but they said he would be useful. They got a return along with a bonus on their investment, both with bat and ball.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener emphasized how the part-time spinner delivered two crucial blows during South Africa’s innings. He noticed:
“Travis Head the bowler. He picked up two wickets in two balls. He actually got hit by (Heinrich) Klaasen first and then he hit the ball on his stumps. After that, he hit Marco Jansen’s pads on the first ball he faced, and then that’s about it. The game changed from there.”
Aakash Chopra
Head’s dismissal ended a 95-run fifth-wicket stand between David Miller (101 off 116) and Heinrich Klaasen (47 off 48). On the following ball, he trapped Marco Jansen in front of the wickets, thereby ending South Africa’s comeback.
Aakash Chopra praises Travis Head for his daring batting display
Travis Head was complimented by Aakash Chopra for getting Australia’s run chase off to a flying start. He stated:
“He gave an explosive start with the bat. There was no hesitation in hitting the ball in the air. He was the aggressor. David Warner also started hitting after watching him bat.”
Aakash Chopra
The renowned pundit went on to say that after losing a few of partners at the opposite end, the left-handed opener remained aggressive. He went on to say:
“Warner and Mitchell Marsh got out but this guy kept hitting. Only one half-century was scored in the second innings. Only one century and one half-century was scored in the entire match, but he scored 62 and picked up two wickets. He was brilliant.”
Aakash Chopra
Head and David Warner put up 60 runs for the first wicket in 6.1 overs. Although Mitchell Marsh was out for a duck soon after, the southpaw didn’t back down and guided Australia to 106/2 before being out on the first delivery of the 15th over.