“Treated him like any other bowler” - Greg Chappell lauds Australian batter for tackling Jasprit Bumrah ahead of BGT 2024-25

Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell has lauded Travis Head for tackling Jasprit Bumrah more effectively than the other batters in the ongoing Test series against India. Chappell opined that the left-hander has treated Bumrah like any other bowler by looking to score runs off him, disrupting the ace pacer's rhythm.

Although the 31-year-old has dismissed Head twice in the series, he averages 41.5 against him alongside a strike rate of 91.2, scoring 83 runs. The Ahmedabad-born speedster has arguably been the standout bowler from two sides, picking up 21 scalps in three Tests at 10.90.

Writing in his column for The Sydney Morning Herald, the former Indian head coach lauded Head for his fearless approach against Bumrah. He said:

"Head’s performances against Jasprit Bumrah in this series exemplify his fearless approach. While most batsmen struggle to survive Bumrah’s unorthodox action, sharp pace, and relentless accuracy, Head has treated him like any other bowler. 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."

Head came out to bat when the hosts were 103/3 in the pink-ball Test and belted almost a run-a-ball 140. The third Test in Brisbane saw him slam 152 off 160 deliveries to stitch a massive 241-run partnership with Steve Smith, giving Australia the upper hand.

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"Travis exemplifies the Australian way of batting" - Greg Chappell

Travis Head. (Image Credits: Getty)

The 76-year-old also reckons Head's consistent performances across formats make him a firm contender to be the next Aussie captain. Chappell said:

"I believe Travis to be the most improved batter in world cricket in the past three years and in becoming so, has firmed in favoritism 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. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen when he was batting in the Brisbane Test."

With the five-Test series locked at 1-1, Pat Cummins and Co. will look to win the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.