"We thought, get Trav in there" - Pat Cummins explains why he used part-timer on Day 5 of BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Australia skipper Pat Cummins has revealed why he used part-time spinner Travis Head on Day 5 (Monday, December 30) of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia won the match and took a 2-1 series lead, with a match to go.

Post the Tea break on Day 5, Cummins called upon Travis Head to roll his arm over and bowl a few overs. Head, who has had a great series with the bat so far, also tasted some success with the ball in hand. He struck big, dismissing Rishabh Pant for 30.

After the match, Pat Cummins attended a press conference and disclosed the reason behind handing the ball to Travis Head. He said (via Hindustan Times):

"We were a bit behind on the over rate, so we thought, 'Get Trav in there, it may help us out with that.'"

It was a crucial wicket for Australia as Pant's dismissal brought about a collapse that saw the visitors crumble and concede the match.

---

Team India's chances of a third WTC final appearance look bleak after loss in the BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Team India slumped to a 184-run loss in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Chasing 340 for the win, they lost wickets at regular intervals as only Yashasvi Jaiswal (84 off 208) and Rishabh Pant (30 off 105) reached double digits. The tourists were bowled out for 155, which saw them concede a series lead of 2-1 to the hosts, with a match to go.

This result has strengthened Australia's chances to set up a meeting with South Africa in the WTC final. They recorded their 10th win of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle and have their points percentage up to 61.46. With a win in the next game, they will knock India out of the race for the final, which will be played in June 2025.