Performing in crucial moments is every sportsperson’s ambition, but few can actually stand up to the daunting moments when they are in them.
We saw Travis Head end the First Test in a hurry as he bagged his 10th Test hundred in Perth. The aggressive lefty has now added another ton to his collection after a very well-constructed innings here at the Adelaide Oval. It marked his 11th in Tests, and his fourth at this venue, which is his home ground. The hosts ended the day cruising at 271/4, leading by 356 runs.
The session began on a high-scoring note for the hosts as Usman Khawaja added nine runs to his tally in quick time. However, the 39-year-old’s stay at the crease did not last much longer as he was dismissed for 40 for the first wicket after Tea. Will Jacks bowled a regulation delivery but Khawaja went to cut it in the square region, only managing to catch the top edge of his bat.
Jamie Smith, who has been under tremendous pressure to perform, took a sharp catch behind the stumps to send Australia’s number 4 packing. Shortly after, the next batter in faced the same fate. This time the wicket fell to Josh Tongue, who has been a handy operator for Ben Stokes in this Test. He pitched the ball up after a wayward delivery the previous ball, drawing Green into the drive. He only managed to nick the ball straight towards Harry Brook, who showed great awareness to get down to it in time.
Then came the Travis Head show, supported well by the hero from the first innings in Alex Carey. The left-handed pair did well to gauge the situation and rotated the strike well as they looked to continue scoring at a decent clip. Head hit some good shots to get into the 90s, but took his own sweet time to get to the milestone. He also had his heart in his mouth momentarily while batting on 99, slashing one to Brook at backward point as he could not hold on.
England’s bowling attack had their moments for the wickets, but were dull in comparison to the kind of fireworks their Aussie counterparts were putting up in the final session on Day 2. While Jofra Archer was by far the pick of the bowlers with his exceptionally low economy and decent pace, he lacked any sort of consistent support from the other end. Cricket, being a game of partnerships, requires coordination between teammates for success, and England have been lacking in this department all series.
Australia will look to put up a score that captain Pat Cummins deems easily defendable. However, he will look to put England in to bat quite early on Day 4, with a bit of rain predicted right at the start of Day 5. The hosts will look to put the contest to bed rather than test their luck.
Travis Head (142*) and Alex Carey (52*) are out in the middle and will resume play on Day 4. Join us tomorrow for timely updates as usual, and until then, cheerio!