“Best batsman” Head’s performance against Bumrah exemplifies his fearless approach: Greg Chappell

“Best batsman” Head’s performance against Bumrah exemplifies his fearless approach: Greg Chappell

Travis Head is the ‘best batsman in the world’ and his performance against Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy exemplifies his fearless approach, feels legendary cricketer Greg Chappell.

“While most batsmen struggle to survive Bumrah’s unorthodox action, sharp pace, and relentless accuracy, Head has treated him like any other bowler,” Chappell wrote in Sydney Morning Herald.

“By playing with intent and looking to score off Bumrah, Head has not only nullified his threat but disrupted his rhythm. His ability to dispatch short deliveries with authority and drive fuller ones with precision has been remarkable, underscoring the strides he has made,” he added.

Head has dominated the batting chart with 409 runs in the first three Tests with two hundreds and a fifty. According to Chappell, Head’s flourish in the recent years across formats is due to an uncluttered mindset.

“From a raw, unpredictable talent to one of the most dominant male batters in world cricket, Travis Head has soared into his prime with an almost ethereal elegance,” Chappell wrote.

“His story is not just about overcoming challenges but about embracing a simplicity of style that has become his hallmark — one that allows his mind to remain uncluttered and his game devastatingly effective,” he added.

Chappell believes that Head’s 152 in Brisbane against England in the 2021-22 Ashes series was a “turning point”.

“Head’s counterattacking 152 in Brisbane was a revelation. Walking in at 5-195, he transformed the game with a whirlwind innings, taking the opposition bowlers apart and shifting the momentum firmly in Australia’s favour,” he wrote.

“That innings wasn’t just about runs, it was a statement of intent, a declaration that he would play his way.”

According to the former Australian captain, since that series, Head has gone strength to strength to evolve into the most feared batters in the world.

“His numbers since 2022 underline his dominance: 1800 runs at an average of 56.25, with six centuries at a strike rate of 75.6. These are not just impressive figures, they are a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure and dictate terms against the best bowlers in the world,” Chappell added.

Chappell notes that essence of Head’s batting stems from his uncluttered mind and that he has chosen a path prioritising intent over caution, a mindset allowing him to approach every ball with the aim of scoring runs.

“This doesn’t mean recklessness – it’s a calculated, efficient approach that keeps bowlers and captains under pressure. By getting into good positions to score, Head simultaneously positions himself to defend against the better deliveries. It’s a virtuous cycle that rewards his positive intent,” he added.

Chappell said Head’s ability to blend aggression with elegance along with his overall game elevation makes him the “most improved batter in world cricket in the past three years.”

“…and in becoming so, has firmed in favouritism to be the next Australian captain.”

“In his current form, Travis exemplifies the Australian way of batting, and I agree with Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy when they praise the way he is playing.

“Today, as the butterfly of his transformation soars, it’s clear: Travis Head is the best batsman in the world.”