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On the second day of the first Test between Australia and West Indies, Travis Head‘s stunning century stole the limelight, turning the tide in favor of the hosts. Battling challenging conditions and a spirited West Indies attack led by debutants Shamar Joseph and Justin Greaves, Head’s innings marked a significant turnaround for Australia.
Travis Head rescues Australia
The hosts found themselves in a precarious position as they trailed by 20 runs with Alex Carey‘s dismissal. However, Head’s aggressive batting against Joseph propelled him into the 90s, culminating in a brilliant century from 122 balls. This innings not only put Australia in the lead but also showcased Head’s resilience under pressure.
Head’s century, his seventh in Test cricket, ended a drought since the World Test Championship final against India in June. With 119 runs, including 12 fours and three sixes, Head played a crucial role in Australia’s first-innings total of 283.
Josh Hazlewood exhibits top-class bowling
While Joseph continued to impress, completing a five-wicket haul, the West Indies batters faced another setback. Losing six wickets in less than a session, they allowed Australia to seize a commanding position in the match.
In the second innings, Josh Hazlewood wreaked havoc, claiming the first four wickets to fall. With movement off the pitch, Hazlewood exploited the poor shot selection of West Indies batters, putting Australia in a prime position to close out the game on Day 3.
Hazlewood’s impact was immediate, dismissing Tagenarine Chanderpaul with his first ball in the second innings. He further accounted for Kraigg Brathwaite, Alick Athanaze, and Kavem Hodge, putting the West Indies on the back foot.
Also READ: Twitter reactions – Travis Head’s remarkable century gives Australia a vital 95-run lead against West Indies on Day 2 of Adelaide Test – AUS vs WI 2024
Here is how Twitter reacted:
West Indies 73/6 on Day 2 Stumps.
They're trailing by 22, Test match set to be over on Day 3. pic.twitter.com/ij7rX7gqdy
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 18, 2024
Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood have given Australia a massive advantage in Adelaide 💪#WTC25 | #AUSvWI 📝: https://t.co/9B7ao0atnB pic.twitter.com/xftiz9lORy
— ICC (@ICC) January 18, 2024
Josh Hazlewood on fire ⚡️⚡️⚡️
What a bowler he is first ball wicket 💥#AUSvsWI #AUSvWI
pic.twitter.com/37MT6RlNdM— Aussies Army🏏🦘 (@AussiesArmy) January 18, 2024
12 wickets in his last 25 odd overs in Test Cricket…
Josh Hazlewood 🔥#AUSvWI#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/NsS3OuN7oI
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) January 18, 2024
Is there anything more beautiful in cricket than Josh Hazlewood in world class form?
— Rhys 🇦🇺❗️ (@SulloReport) January 18, 2024
Travis Head has taken his batting average against West Indies above 200
— Swamp (@sirswampthing) January 18, 2024
The Accuracy of Josh Hazelwood is just insane🔥👏.
He is bowling a dream spell that anyone could imagine 🔥🔥👏🇦🇺.
He is an example to everyone about how to remain consistent in your line and length.#AUSvWI #JoshHazlewood#CricketTwitterpic.twitter.com/AiXSCvwe1d— Nishat Abbas (@NishatAbbas1) January 18, 2024
Josh Hazlewood has taken 11/60 from 27 overs in his three most recent Test innings.#AUSvWI
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 18, 2024
Josh Hazlewood has been an unsung hero in tests for Australia, no flamboyant celebrations, a stellar record & continues to attack batsman at the stumps with that nagging length. https://t.co/vlfPEnW9df
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) January 18, 2024
Josh Hazlewood is operating on a completely different level from every other bowler in Test Cricket right now. Just head and shoulders above everyone else… #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/WLY74BEUq3
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) January 18, 2024
Josh Hazlewood is so good.
World class Test bowler.
He got great skills for limited overs too.Seam, some swing, height advantage, surprise bouncer, hits the pitch hard and then he has that unbelievable accuracy with his line and length.
— MA (@coverpoint_) January 18, 2024
Head’s 100 is as good as you’ll see. Under pressure, on a difficult deck. Brilliant! #AUSvWI
— Brett Nicholls (@minorpolitics) January 18, 2024
Travis Head out for another historic South Australian number, 119.#AUSvWI #AUSvsWI #CricketTwitter
— Connor (@connorbradley4) January 18, 2024