NEW DELHI: Australia secured a commanding 184-run victory over India on the Melbourne Cricket Floor on Monday, taking a 2-1 collection lead within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Whereas the end result was a blow to India’s hopes, it was Travis Head’s unconventional celebration after a game-changing wicket that turned the speaking level of the day.
Chasing a frightening goal of 340 runs, India confirmed resilience within the second session, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant irritating the Australian bowlers. The pair added an important 88-run stand for the fourth wicket, preserving India’s faint hopes alive.
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Nonetheless, the turning level got here quickly after the tea break, courtesy of Head’s shock intervention with the ball. Australia captain Pat Cummins handed the ball to the part-time spinner, and the transfer paid dividends instantly.
Head delivered a short-pitched ball, tempting Pant into an ill-advised pull shot. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter mistimed the stroke, sending the ball excessive in direction of long-on, the place Mitchell Marsh took a well-judged catch. The wicket broke India’s momentum and triggered a well-recognized collapse, with the guests shedding seven wickets for simply 34 runs within the last session to be bowled out for 155.
But it surely wasn’t simply the wicket that grabbed consideration. Head’s exuberant celebration turned the spotlight of the match. With a singular gesture, the Australian all-rounder drew cheers and laughter alike.
Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw provided context to Head’s antics, saying: “After he took 4-10 in 17 balls in Sri Lanka in 2022, he was quoted as saying, ‘needed to put the digit on ice.'” The quirky celebration gave the impression to be a nod to that memorable efficiency, marking his delight directly once more making an important influence with the ball.
India’s defeat was complete, and the batting collapse within the last session highlighted their vulnerability below stress. The hosts, alternatively, reveled of their dominant show, with Head’s essential breakthrough and spirited celebration epitomizing Australia’s relentless method.
