Blistering Head finds new World Cup weapons
Australian batting star Travis Head says he’s been working on something special for the T20 World Cup that “will play a big part in the Caribbean” after smashing 89 not out off just 30 balls in another blistering IPL innings.
Head has become a powerhouse at the top of the order for Sunrisers, a role he’ll fill for Australia at the World Cup, opening with veteran David Warner, who isn’t playing in India as he battles a finger issue.
Head moved on to 533 IPL runs at an average of 53.30 and a strike rate of 201.89 after his latest blast that didn’t surprise his IPL and Test captain Pat Cummins.
“It certainly doesn’t surprise me anymore,” Cummins said after Head blasted eight sixes and eight fours in his unbeaten innings as Sunrisers cruised to a big win.
“He’s been like this for the last few years. He might not be super conventional but he’s got a great eye, hits the middle of the bat a lot and he’s having a wonderful tournament.”
Head, who said he was “concentrating harder”, cracked 22 off Krishnappa Gowtham’s second over and then pulverised 24 off the fifth in a show of ultimate power.
I love batting with Abhishek Sharma,it was nice to see he scoring runs, I know how hardworking he has been. The way he comes down and middles every ball, it's amazing 🧡#OrangeArmy#SRHvLSGpic.twitter.com/0EVrhGiEF7
— Travis Head 🇦🇺 (@ImTravisHead) May 8, 2024
But it’s the tricks he’s developed against spin during the tournament, aided by Aussie assistant Dan Vettori, that he believes could help him the most in the World Cup, which begins for Australia against Oman on June 6.
“It’s something I have been working hard on. It will be a big part in the Caribbean,” Head said, suggesting he can play shots to all parts against the slow bowlers.
“Nice to get 360 and get to the parts of the ground I have not been to. Dan and Pat have asked me to play that way.”
Head, who is the third leading run-scorer in the IPL this season with a strike rate far superior to the other large run-getters, also said “having fun” was a big part of his tournament success.
“The last 12 months being back in the Australian team, that’s how they’ve wanted me to play and I’m not trying to change anything, just trying to maximise that powerplay,” he said
“It’s not going to work all the time, but I’m going to try to be as consistent as I can, give myself the best opportunity and hopefully do my part for the team.”
LEADING IPL RUN SCORERS
Player M Runs Ave SR
1 Virat Kohli (RCB) 11 542 67.8 148.1
2 Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK) 11 541 60.1 147.0
3 Travis Head (SRH) 11 533 53.3 201.9
4 Sanju Samson (RR) 11 471 67.3 163.5
