'He is getting to the off stump' - R Ashwin decodes Travis Head’s plan ahead of Boxing-Day Test

Ahead of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, recently retired Indian spinner R Ashwin analysed Australian batter Travis Head’s preparation for the Boxing Day Test.

Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket on December 18, shortly after the drawn third Test in Brisbane. His career, spanning over a decade, included many memorable and match-winning performances. Despite stepping away from the field, Ashwin is active on his social media.

On December 25, Ashwin replied to a video of Head practicing in the nets. He pointed out that the southpaw was moving closer to the off-stump during practice. "Omg! He is getting to the off stump? Is that the ploy for round the stumps," he replied to an X post.

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Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 currently levelled at 1-1

Head, who suffered a quad strain in the third Test, has recovered in time for the upcoming Test and will once again look to play a crucial role for his side. By getting himself closer to the off stump, Head may be looking to negate the angles created by bowlers targeting his pads from around the wicket.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is levelled, with both teams winning a match apiece before the rain-affected third Test ended in a draw. India created history by thrashing Australia in Perth, while the hosts responded brilliantly in Adelaide. The Boxing Day Test now becomes a virtual semifinal, with the winner strengthening their chances of securing a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Meanwhile, India have included Mumbai off-spinner Tanush Kotian as Ashwin’s replacement. Kotian, known for his all-round capabilities, has performed brilliantly in domestic cricket. On the othe rhand, Australia have confirmed that young sensation Sam Konstas will replace Nathan McSweeney while Scott Boland will come in for injured Josh Hazlewood.