‘I’ve worked extremely hard and it's coming off in my playing’ - Travis Head reflects after huge ton in first England ODI

Australia managed to topple England in the first ODI of the ongoing series. Both sides faced off for the first ODI at Trent Bridge on Thursday, September 19, and the clash saw England come in to bat first. The side put in an excellent performance with the bat, posting a total of 315 runs in the first innings of the game. 

However, as Australia came out to chase the total, it was the knock of ace batter Travis Head that helped the visitors register a brilliant win. Opening the innings for the men in yellow, Travis Head went on to score 154* runs in 129 deliveries as Australia chased down 315 runs in 44 overs, winning the game by seven wickets.

For his exceptional performance, Head was awarded with the Player of the Match award. At the time of receiving the award, the ace batter talked about Australia’s performance and how they got through a tough start to the run chase to finish it off. 

“I got lucky and Jofra [Archer] bowled a hell of a spell at the start. Glad I can continue, it's a great wicket here. I thought we did a great job to get it to 315, that start was tough and to survive that I thought it was great. We played exceptionally well. The environment is good and I enjoy playing for the guys. I've worked extremely hard and it's coming off in my playing,” Head said in the post-match presentation ceremony. 

Also Read: Travis Head’s career-best score propels visitors to massive win

I’ve been reluctant to bowl: Head

It is worth noting that Head came out to bowl as well in the first innings of the game. Bowling 4.4 overs, he conceded 34 runs but also took two wickets in the process, dismissing Jacob Bethell and Adil Rashid. After the game, Head came forward and talked about how he has always been reluctant to bowl but was lucky to do so in practice with Daniel Vettori.

“I have been reluctant to bowl in the last couple of months and lucky that I got to roll my arm over a few times with Daniel Vettori and it came out okay, but I will put it (bowling) on the rack for a bit,” Head said in the post-match press conference.