BGT 2023 | Twitter lauds wily Ashwin for luring and trapping aggressive Head to earn crucial scalp
Every sport is as much a mental battle as it is physical and when it comes to Test cricket, nerves and patience have been seen to matter as much as skill. Travis Head got a taste of why taking the game to R Ashwin hardly pays off as the spinner used the pitch to dismiss the dangerous-looking batter.
The fourth and final Border Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia in Motera began amidst aplomb on Thursday as thousands flocked to the stadium to witness the two titans colliding at the biggest cricket stadium in the world, including the respective prime ministers of the two nations. However, once the first ball was bowled, all the focus instantly shifted to the action on the field and for a change, the visitors dominated proceedings to kick start the game. An aggressive Travis Head, opening the innings with Usman Khawaja, played no holds barred as he struck seven boundaries in his 44-ball stay at the crease.
However, an opportunity presented itself for the Men in Blue when Head was just seven as an angling delivery from Umesh Yadav had the flamboyant South Australian all squared up. The SG sailed into Bharat's hands for a sitter only for the wicketkeeper to somehow end up failing to grasp it cleanly, allowing it to fall to the ground. Taking advantage of India's travesty, the openingduo kept the scoreboard ticking and before long the score read 61/0 after 15 overs when Ashwin came in to bowl the fourth over of his first spell.
The first two balls of the over were slashed hard but failed to pierce the field. Realizing Head's intentions, Ashwin looped the third delivery at length attempting to tempt the batter with the flight. Like a moth drawn to light, Head instantly charged down the pitch attempting to clear long-off. However, the ball gripped to the surface and head only managed to connect with the toe end of his bat. The ball fell to Ravindra Jadeja for perhaps an even simpler catch than Bharat's, thereby bringing relief to the host camp.
Anna strikes
— MAHARAJ JI (@MAHARAJ96620593) March 9, 2023
Looks like that
It looks like Ashwin got more dip on that Head wicket than what the batter expected. Head did come down the track quite considerably, but still couldn't reach the pitch of the ball and the required elevation.
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) March 9, 2023
Great one
Travis Head ☝️
— Abhinav Tiwari 🍁 (@_abhinavtiwari_) March 9, 2023
Ravichandran Ashwin strikes for India 👏Great catch by Sir Ravindra Jadeja .....Oops Bapu Ravindra Jadeja !!! 😁✌️
Kudos to the duo #INDvsAUS #BGT2023 pic.twitter.com/H2O8nl7E3R
Yup
thats a good ball by ashwin. head gone. let's get a couple more before lunch shall we
— Anmol 🇪🇸🏆 x 35 (@razdan_anmol) March 9, 2023
Need another
Done ✅
— Pranav Nair (@leg_gully) March 9, 2023
Ashwin makes Head err and picks one!
Another one coming before lunch, let's see #INDvsAUS https://t.co/DT8OrjvAvb
The goats
c Ravindra Jadeja b R. Ashwin
— Swaroop RJ 🚩 (@Swaroop_RJ08) March 9, 2023
My Goat duo 😍 pic.twitter.com/gU6ikTX1DA
Breajthrough
Ashwin finds the much-needed breakthrough as Travis Head falls for 32, with a catch to Ravindra Jadeja. Australia loses its first wicket for 61. @sportstarweb pic.twitter.com/Oxc505ref6
— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) March 9, 2023
Anna
Anna 🥵🥵 #AUSvsIND #INDvAUS #CricketTwitter #Ashwin pic.twitter.com/vL4YGQzaZp
— 🕊 (@_Alone_1820) March 9, 2023
Danger ball
Straighter ball is going to be the danger ball for the right handed batters against Ashwin in this test match.
— Arjun (@LifeIsAnElation) March 9, 2023
True
After ravi ashwin retires Indian team would seriously lack an magical spinner and a tough batsman.!! #INDvsAUS #AUSvsIND #INDvAUS
— Sachin (@sachii656) March 9, 2023