December 3, 2024: Travis Head is eager to take on the challenge of the pink-ball, day-night Test in Adelaide, a venue where he feels right at home. The Australian opener, who plays for South Australia in domestic cricket, will be a key player to watch in the second Test, starting December 6, at the Adelaide Oval. After Australia’s heavy defeat in the first Test in Perth, where India dominated with a 295-run victory, Head’s performance could prove crucial in helping the team bounce back.
Head, who has a strong record in pink-ball Tests, spoke about the unique challenges posed by Adelaide’s drop-in wicket, noting that while it can be tricky for batsmen, it suits his style of play. “It can be a tough wicket to bat on. Obviously, the drop-in wicket requires you to score in different ways. I think it suits me,” Head shared with Star Sports. He also highlighted the comfort of playing at his home ground, where he has scored consistently well over the years. “I bat there a lot, and it has been nice to get some runs over the last couple of years there. I will try to do the same again this year.”
The relaxed atmosphere of being at home, with friends and family in the stands, is another factor Head enjoys. “It’s always a nice week for me. It’s relaxed—I’m in my own bed. I’ve got a lot of friends and family around, and many mates come to watch. It’s good fuel for the week,” he said. Head also acknowledged the unique atmosphere of day-night Tests, which create a special vibe, with the pink ball often producing plenty of movement. “Day-night Test matches are special as well. They create a great atmosphere, and the ball is always doing something. The wickets offer plenty, making it an exciting week,” he added.
Head has been particularly successful in pink-ball Tests, having played eight matches and scored 543 runs at an average of 49.36, including two centuries and three fifties, with a best score of 175. At the Adelaide Oval, his record is even more impressive, with 289 runs in four day-night matches at an average of 72.25, including a century and a fifty. His best score at the venue remains his 175.
As Australia prepares for the second Test, they will face an Indian team that has both mental and physical momentum after their dominant win in the first Test. India will also be looking to bounce back from the haunting memory of the infamous 2020 Adelaide pink-ball Test, where they were bowled out for a record-low 36 runs. That match saw Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood wreak havoc on the Indian batting order, and the visitors will be hoping for a much stronger performance this time around.
The second Test will feature a star-studded lineup for both teams. For Australia, the squad includes Captain Pat Cummins, vice-captain Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, alongside in-form players like Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne. India’s squad, led by Rohit Sharma, includes key players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Shubman Gill.
With Adelaide known for its vibrant day-night Test atmosphere and the unpredictable nature of the pink ball, the stage is set for another exciting chapter in this high-stakes series.