NEW DELHI: Australia secured a commanding 184-run victory over India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday, taking a 2-1 series lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While the result was a blow to India’s hopes, it was Travis Head’s unconventional celebration after a game-changing wicket that became the talking point of the day.
Chasing a daunting target of 340 runs, India showed resilience in the second session, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant frustrating the Australian bowlers. The pair added a crucial 88-run stand for the fourth wicket, keeping India’s faint hopes alive.
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However, the turning point came soon after the tea break, courtesy of Head’s surprise intervention with the ball. Australia captain Pat Cummins handed the ball to the part-time spinner, and the move paid dividends immediately.
Head delivered a short-pitched ball, tempting Pant into an ill-advised pull shot. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter mistimed the stroke, sending the ball high towards long-on, where Mitchell Marsh took a well-judged catch. The wicket broke India’s momentum and triggered a familiar collapse, with the visitors losing seven wickets for just 34 runs in the final session to be bowled out for 155.
But it wasn’t just the wicket that grabbed attention. Head’s exuberant celebration became the highlight of the match. With a unique gesture, the Australian all-rounder drew cheers and laughter alike.
Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw offered context to Head’s antics, saying: “After he took 4-10 in 17 balls in Sri Lanka in 2022, he was quoted as saying, ‘had to put the digit on ice.'” The quirky celebration appeared to be a nod to that memorable performance, marking his delight at once again making a crucial impact with the ball.
India’s defeat was comprehensive, and the batting collapse in the final session highlighted their vulnerability under pressure. The hosts, on the other hand, reveled in their dominant display, with Head’s crucial breakthrough and spirited celebration epitomizing Australia’s relentless approach.
