Image: Travis Head returned to opening after 22 months with a blistering 57 off 40 balls / © Foxsports
For the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, Australian batter Travis Head marked his return as an opener after 22 months with a stunning knock of 57 runs off 40 balls. Head’s aggressive innings played a pivotal role on the opening day of the series. The Australian team management made the decision to drop Sam Konstas and include Josh Inglis on debut, with Head taking on the opening role.
Head’s form was evident as he began with a boundary and continued to dominate the Sri Lankan bowlers. Despite being hit on the pads by Asitha Fernando, the on-field umpire did not rule in favor of the appeal, and Sri Lanka chose not to review. Head capitalized on the opportunity and kept attacking, scoring a half-century off just 34 balls.
His knock consisted of 10 fours and 1 six. Head was eventually dismissed while trying to mistime a shot off Prabath Jayasuriya’s bowling, with Dinesh Chandimal taking the catch at long-on. He had built a 92-run partnership with Usman Khawaja, helping Australia get off to a strong start.