Australian all-rounder Travis Head played a crucial role in his side’s thrilling victory against England in the fifth ODI of the 2024 series. Reflecting on his performance, Head humorously admitted that he didn’t expect to bowl the 50th over twice due to rain delays but was pleased with his contribution in both departments.
During the closely-fought match, Head showcased his all-round capabilities, first with the bat, scoring a crucial 79 off 65 balls to help Australia post a competitive total of 278 in 49.3 overs. His innings came at a time when Australia was struggling after losing quick wickets, and his partnerships with the middle order stabilized the innings.
However, it was his unexpected heroics with the ball that caught the eye. Head was handed the responsibility of bowling the final over of England’s innings twice, owing to the rain-interrupted game. With England needing 12 runs off the last over to win, Head held his nerve, conceding only nine runs and leading Australia to a dramatic 2-run victory via the DLS method.
‘It’s always great to contribute with both bat and ball’ – Travis Head
Speaking after the match, Head said, “I didn’t come expecting to bowl the 50th over, let alone do it twice. It’s always great to contribute with both bat and ball, especially in tight games like this.”
Australia’s victory not only secured a 3-2 series win but also showcased the depth and versatility in their squad. Head’s all-round performance was key to the success, and the victory further boosted Australia’s confidence ahead of their upcoming series against Pakistan.
With his impactful contributions in the series, Travis Head continues to establish himself as a vital all-rounder for Australia across formats.