Pat Cummins' confession about Travis Head amid David Warner dramas

Australian captain Pat Cummins has hinted that Travis Head would keep his spot in the third Test against India after top scoring for the team in the second innings, despite a horror collapse. Cummins' men found themselves once again helpless after a woeful collapse that saw the team lose 9-48 during a time they had control of the match.

Following the collapse, India cruised to a second straight win and retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy as Australia once again seek answers heading into the third Test match. However, one shining light in the second innings was Head's battling 43.

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The middle order batter was sensationally dropped for the first Test against India, which drew plenty of backlash after Australia were comfortably defeated. While Head only scored 12 runs in the first innings, he was the top scorer in the second with 43 after taking the opening role when David Warner was ruled out with concussion.

And Cummins heaped praise on Head for his role in a team that continues to struggle on the unpredictable pitches of India. "He was extremely confident coming into this game and that's the Trav I love," Cummins said.

"I'm really happy to see him out there competing the way he is at the moment, I thought he was absolutely exceptional. I think having Trav in the side in cricket all around the world in the Australian cricket team especially over the last 12 months or so, it's been bloody exciting to be a part of."

Head looks likely to retain his spot in the team, whether it is at the top of the order for Warner or in his usual place at No.5. However, Warner appears to have the backing of his teammates after his lean run of form.

David Warner could return for third Test

During the match, Warner was ruled out for concussion and didn't take part in Australia's batting collapse in the second innings. However, the opener once again struggled in the dry conditions as he managed only 15 runs in the first innings.

The veteran took nearly 30 minutes to get off the mark, which saw him hit in the forearm and helmet during a tough period of bowling. Scans later revealed he suffered a small, but stable, fracture in his left elbow.

Team officials say the injury would not have prevented Warner from batting in the second innings had he not been ruled out of match with concussion. There has been plenty of speculation that Warner would be dropped for the second Test and the opener did himself no favours after being dismissed cheaply once again.

However, veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has backed Warner to return - potentially for the third Test - after the setback.

If Warner is picked, it leaves either Head or Matt Renshaw at risk of being dropped. However, Cummins' praise for Head - and Renshaw's low scores - suggest it could be the latter to make way.

Regardless, Australia will be searching for answers as they look to salvage a draw in the Test series. Six of Australia's 10 dismissals came via the sweep shot, with Steve Smith and Renshaw trapped lbw, and Cummins, Alex Carey and Matthew Kuhnemann all clean-bowled.

The Aussies seemed to make their minds up that every ball had to be swept, which brought about their undoing. Speaking to reporters after the match, Cummins admitted the Aussies were far too aggressive.

The Aussie captain's dismissal came under heavy scrutiny after he played a rank slog across the line and had his stumps destroyed first ball. “Disappointed, we were ahead of the game but we slipped,” Cummins said after Australia suffered a second-straight Test loss inside two days. “

"Everyone controls their own game, some balls just have your name. But I think there will be a review. Shot choice, did we go about it the right way?”

with AAP

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