Not Jasprit Bumrah! Travis Head admits being nervous while facing this India bowler in Brisbane

Travis Head's scintillating innings in the ongoing third Test at The Gabba showed the confidence and control that the Australian batter has shown against India’s sharpest weapon—Jasprit Bumrah.

After the end of Day 2, Head praised Bumrah’s relentless pressure and wicket-taking deliveries. In the crucial third Test match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Travis Head's brilliance with the bat was on full display as he tackled India's fierce bowling attack brilliantly, particularly Jasprit Bumrah's lethal spell at The Gabba in Brisbane.

Travis Head credits top order for his aggressive knock against India

While Bumrah's wickets came in a flurry, Head stood tall, playing an impeccable knock of 152 runs off 160 balls studded with 18 boundaries that shifted the momentum in Australia's favor in the ongoing Gabba Test. However, Head said that it's always tough to face Bumrah.

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Meanwhile, Travis Head credited his 241-run partnership with Steve Smith, whose classic technique allowed him to play with greater freedom in Brisbane. Even Head admitted enjoying the silent pressure of playing alongside one of Australia's greats, Smith, against India at The Gabba.

It was always tough facing up against him: Travis Head on Jasprit Bumrah

Travis Head said at the post-match presentation: “He bowled brilliantly, bowled wicket-taking balls, and was always tough facing up against him. I always enjoyed batting with Steve (Smith); when he bats well, I always go unnoticed. I thought he was moving (his feet) very well; it allowed me to be proactive as well. I just enjoy what I do; I just want to play well for the team, for the guys on the team, and I'm enjoying it.”

Reflecting on facing spin and the new ball, Head admitted to the initial nerves against Ravindra Jadeja, but he found his rhythm early and looked set to dominate. Having faced Jadeja many times, the Australian left-hander showed a calm readiness to tackle the challenges posed by the Indian left-arm spinner.

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He acknowledged the importance of the new ball and its impact. Furthermore, Head looked ahead to key matches, including the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka and the WTC final, and he couldn't hide his excitement for his teammate Smith’s resurgence. Smith’s return to form has been inspiring for Head, and hope that will continue from here.

Travis Head says he was a bit nervous to start against Ravindra Jadeja

Head further explained, “I have played enough against India; I've had a blueprint, and I was a bit nervous to start against spin; I was happy with the way I started against him today (on Ravindra Jadeja). The new ball will do something throughout the game; I can't see too far ahead of the game, but hopefully the weather plays up nicely, but the new ball will be crucial. The top 6 (batting) is setting up nicely, hopeful of doing well in Sri Lanka and getting into the WTC final. Very pleased for Smudge, he has had a lot against him, and it's nice to see him get back to his best form.”

In the end, the Australian batter Travis Head expressed his delight after his remarkable performance, highlighting how special it was to follow up his century at the Adelaide Oval. He credited the top order for their solid play against the new ball, which allowed him to be more aggressive. Head mentioned how staying positive and playing his shots made his innings enjoyable.