December 15, 2024: Travis Head, who has often been a thorn in India’s side, added another remarkable achievement to his growing list of accolades on Day 2 of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Head’s explosive century against India not only put Australia firmly in control but also made history in an extraordinary way. He became the first batter to bag both a King Pair (golden duck in both innings) and a century at The Gabba in the same calendar year.
Earlier in 2024, during the day-night Test against the West Indies at The Gabba, Head had been dismissed for a golden duck twice, famously recording a ‘King Pair’—an ignominious feat rarely seen in cricket. But when he returned to the same venue for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, it was a different story altogether. Facing India, Head unleashed a brutal display of batting, dominating the Indian bowlers and making the previously bowler-friendly pitch look like a batting paradise.
As India’s bowlers—who had earlier looked dangerous—struggled to make inroads, Head took control of the match, playing his trademark attacking strokes and dispatching the ball to all parts of the ground. His aggressive yet calculated knock led Australia’s charge, with Head racing to his ninth Test century, and his third against India. His onslaught was a treat for Australian fans, who watched as Head powered through to 152 before finally edging behind to Jasprit Bumrah.
Not only did Head’s performance swing the momentum in Australia’s favor, but it also earned him a place in the record books. His achievement of scoring both a King Pair and a century at The Gabba in the same year is an unparalleled feat, highlighting the remarkable contrast between his struggles earlier in the year and his dominant display now.Head’s stunning 152 took his tally of runs against India to over 1,000 in Test cricket. In just 13 Tests and 22 innings, Head has now amassed 1,107 runs at an average of 52.71, including three centuries and four fifties. His ability to perform against India in high-stakes matches is further evidenced by his centuries in the ICC World Test Championship final, the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, and the series-levelling pink-ball Test at Adelaide.
Across all formats, Head has scored 1,707 runs in 30 matches at an average of 47.41, with four centuries and six fifties. His consistency and ability to rise to the occasion in critical matches make him one of the most formidable modern-day players, particularly against India, where his performances have often tipped the scales in Australia’s favor.
Head’s innings not only exemplified his technical skill but also his mental resilience, especially after the earlier setbacks at The Gabba. His century against India in this crucial Border-Gavaskar Test has further solidified his reputation as one of Australia’s most important players in modern Test cricket.
