australia beat india third test travis head why was he dropped matthew hayden reaction proves voters wrong latest updates
Aussie cricket legend Matthew Hayden believes the selectors have a lot to answer for after Travis Head’s hard punch steered the visitors home against India in the third Test.
Head was left out in the first Test in favor of Matt Renshaw, with the former’s previous struggles on the subcontinent seen as the main reason for the decision, despite his stunning Australian summer form.
Watch Australia’s Tour of India. Every test & ODI live & ad-free while playing on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
It was a call Head himself “didn’t expect” but was forced to accept after “robust” discussions with the selectors.
After Renshaw struggled in the first Test, Head was immediately drafted back up for the second Test, where he scored 12 middle order in the first innings.
Head was then pushed into an opening role alongside Usman Khawaja due to David Warner suffering a concussion and posted the highest score for the Aussies, 43 out of 46.
Warner then flew home with another injury, allowing Head to claim the opening role all for himself in the third Test.
Although he only had nine runs in the first innings, he threw a match-winning 49* of 53, where he was forced to wait before becoming his explosive bat-in-hand self.
After witnessing Head’s spell shatter midway, Hayden was confused as to how the selectors could ever have thought of dropping him.
Lyon leaves 8 WICKETS behind! | 02:00
MORE COVERAGE
India View: How hosts ‘lost the spirit of Test cricket’ as desperate pursuit of glory backfired
Player Ratings: Head mocks startling call; GOAT statement emerges as a breakout star
Speaking of points: Smith’s defiant reputation as captain; bold claim for ‘best win in decades’
“Australia just didn’t play with their best team (in the first Test) – Travis Head should have been around No. 1 on that side,” Hayden said in the comment.
“He was brilliant last (Australian) summer. Who cares what happened a few years ago, he was in shape!
“We had to play this (first) test. And now he shows exactly why you choose him.
“He has a wonderful goal will, his hit rate is enormous.
“Get that momentum and that belief in the dressing room. He is a mover and a shaker.”
Several others in the cricket community shared Hayden’s view.
Although Head has an incredible hit rate, Fox cricket Brad Haddin was most impressed by how the opener patiently endured the swirling storm of Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja before springing to life.
“He was five balls out of 24,” Haddin said.
“Then he trusted his technique and then he accelerated.”
Head himself downplayed his role in Australia’s triumph, insisting it was a matter of biding his time and taking the chance when it came.
“It’s nice to be able to contribute,” Head said in his post-game interview.
“Not everything goes according to your wishes and everything will never always be clear.
“So nice to stay prepared, the coaching staff and the players and the mood we’ve created means we can go ahead with the work and make sure I’m ready enough if that chance arises to take it. ”
Head and the rest of his Australian team-mates will now focus on the fourth and final Test of the series against India, which begins on March 9.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia/never-ever-drop-him-again-head-leaves-selectors-with-egg-on-face-after-matchwinning-knock/news-story/39e99dbc131a8a0df4ff70a77448bcc9 australia beat india third test travis head why was he dropped matthew hayden reaction proves voters wrong latest updates
