NEW DELHI: In the third India vs Australia Test at the Gabba, former Indian captain Virat Kohli devised a perfect plan to dismiss the in-form Travis Head.
The left-hander, fresh from scoring two centuries in the ongoing series, appeared confident, with Australia holding a 201-run lead on the fifth and final day.
Australia’s strategy was clear — accelerate the scoring rate and force India to bat in the final session of the rain-affected day.
Observing the situation, Kohli approached Mohammed Siraj with a tactical suggestion.
“Bowl from over the wicket.”
Rohit Sharma, initially hesitant, expressed his concern.
“Bowling from over the wicket will make it easier for him to open his stance.”
Kohli, confident in his approach, countered Rohit’s apprehension. “Nahi, nahi. Over se agar scrambled waala dalega middle stump se toh out hone ka chance hai,” he said. (No, no. If he bowls scrambled seam from over the wicket, targeting middle stump, there’s a chance of getting him out.)
Watch: Virat Kohli tactically orchestrates Travis Head’s dismissal
Rohit agreed, recognising the logic in Kohli’s reasoning.
“He’s right.”
Kohli further elaborated on his strategy, giving specific fielding instructions.
“Set the square-leg fielder deeper for the in-swinger, and allow him to bowl at the stumps.”
Rohit relayed the instructions to Siraj, emphasising the need for precision.
“We need it on the stumps.”
Head had just begun to settle in when Siraj executed the plan, bowling a short-pitched delivery aimed directly at the stumps. This left Head with limited options for an effective response.
Attempting a pull shot, Head moved his front leg and swung across the line. The ball connected with the top edge of his bat, lofting high towards the gully region. Rishabh Pant, alert behind the stumps, called for the catch, positioned himself perfectly, and completed the dismissal.
Head departed for 17 runs, his innings marked by a relatively modest strike rate of 89.47.
Head was awarded Player of the Match for his magnificent 152 in Australia’s first innings. This followed another impressive century in the second Test victory in Adelaide.
