Travis Head became the first batter to score a century and a King Pair at the same venue in the same calendar year on day 2 of the third test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
When Head turned out against the West Indies in the day-night Test earlier this year, the Gabba, which is regarded as Australia’s stronghold, wasn’t his favourite playground.
Before returning to the Gabba on Sunday for the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, he was removed twice for golden ducks, a “King Pair.”
Head was dismissed by Kemar Roach for a golden duck in the first innings of that Test match and Shamar Joseph had cleaned him up on the very first ball in the second innings before West Indies won the game by eight runs.
When facing his favourite competition, Head’s explosive batsmanship sent shockwaves across the ground. The pitch, which looked like a bowler’s paradise before the southpaw arrived, swiftly vanished and became their worst nightmare.
With his typical bravado, he set the terms of the game and hammered Indian bowlers as he saw fit. Head enjoyed the bounce and the opposition as he focused his attack on his favourite spots.
The Indian team was completely taken aback by the daring display, and Australia started their campaign by taking the game from India.
Head scored his ninth Test century for Australia and his third against India, then executed his signature celebration before edging it off Bumrah.
