Travis Head Century Celebration | India vs Australia Live Update 2nd Test, Adelaide | AUS vs IND

Adelaide Roars for Travis Head’s Electrifying Century

Travis Head set the Adelaide Oval alight on Day 2 of the 2nd Test between Australia and India, showcasing a breathtaking innings that cemented his dominance on home turf. His aggressive counterattack not only thrilled the crowd but also etched his name into the record books. Head brought up his century in just 111 balls, marking the fastest hundred in Day-Night Test history, a record previously held by himself against England in Hobart.

The homeboy’s knock was a masterclass in controlled aggression, and the atmosphere at the Oval reflected the moment's gravity. The crowd erupted as Head reached his milestone with a flick past mid-wicket. The celebration was quintessentially Head rocking the baby to acknowledge his wife and young baby present in the stands, followed by his signature helmet-and-bat salute.

That's for baby Harrison!

Another home-town ton for Travis Head! #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/u4s6nV62RZ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2024

India Struggles as Head Finds His Groove

India faced an uphill battle, as their bowling attack struggled to contain the rampant Head. With Jasprit Bumrah restricted to just one short spell due to a suspected niggle, the pressure shifted to the less-experienced bowlers. Unfortunately for India, they could not maintain control, as Head and Marnus Labuschagne piled on the runs during a key partnership.

The turning point came when Harshit Rana, the young Indian pacer, leaked four boundaries in a single over. Labuschagne, in sublime form, scored a patient 64 before a sharp catch by Jaiswal ended his innings. However, the dismissal did little to slow down Head, who exploited every scoring opportunity with precision.

Ashwin, India’s experienced spinner, faced a particularly torrid time. Head launched three sixes off his bowling, including a colossal hit over the sightscreen that had the crowd on their feet. A dropped catch by Siraj, despite a valiant diving effort, added to India’s woes. The Adelaide crowd cheered wildly at the reprieve, sensing the inevitable fireworks from Head’s bat.

Fastest Centuries in Day-Night Tests: A New Milestone

Travis Head’s century added to his already impressive record in Day-Night Tests. His previous fastest centuries, including a 112-ball knock against England and a 125-ball innings against the West Indies, pale in comparison to this blazing effort against India. Head’s consistency at the Adelaide Oval is nothing short of remarkable, with this innings further solidifying his reputation as a big-match player.

The Bigger Picture: Australia in Command

As the second session unfolded, Australia’s lead grew to 104 runs with four wickets in hand. Head, unbeaten on 121, continued to dominate alongside skipper Pat Cummins. Despite India’s early breakthroughs courtesy of Bumrah, the visitors have found themselves on the back foot, with their bowling attack struggling for control.

The day began with high hopes for India, as Bumrah removed McSweeney and Smith in a fiery opening spell. However, his absence from the attack left a glaring void that neither Siraj nor the spinners could fill effectively. Ashwin’s lone success came when he dismissed Mitchell Marsh, but by then, Head had taken the game away from India.

Adelaide Oval: Head’s Favorite Hunting Ground

Travis Head’s love affair with the Adelaide Oval continues. His recent performances against India, including a crucial century in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, have made him a thorn in their side. His last six Test innings against India further underline his dominance, with scores of 90, 163, 18, 11, 89, and now 121*.

With more sessions left in the game, Head looks poised for a monumental score, and India’s bowlers will need to regroup quickly to prevent the game from slipping further away.

As Australia heads into the evening session with momentum firmly on their side, all eyes will remain on Travis Head. If he continues in the same vein, India might face an insurmountable lead. For now, the Adelaide Oval basks in the glow of another unforgettable Head innings, with the promise of more fireworks to come.