Table of Contents
The ODI World Cup 2023 witnessed an unforgettable moment as Australian cricket sensation Travis Head made a triumphant return to the field in a stunning fashion against New Zealand in Match 27 at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. Head, who had been sidelined for the first five matches due to a broken hand, roared back to action in a blaze of glory, scoring a breathtaking century.
Travis Head’s remarkable century and records shattered
The left-handed batter left the world in awe as he reached a century in just 59 balls, a feat that marked the third-quickest World Cup hundred ever scored by an Australian. Before reaching the century, Head also achieved another milestone, notching up the second-quickest fifty for an Australian in World Cup history, taking only 25 balls to reach the landmark.
It’s worth noting that Head had sustained a left-hand injury while attempting to pull a delivery from Gerald Coetzee during the ODI series against South Africa, just before the World Cup. Despite early testing by short deliveries, he displayed remarkable composure on his World Cup debut.
Head’s dominant batting display
Head made his intentions clear from the outset with an audacious aerial off-drive for four off just the third ball he faced. He was handed two free-hits by Matt Henry in the third over, both of which he capitalized on by clearing his front leg and launching towering sixes over midwicket.
From there, the South Australian continued to unleash his fury, relentlessly taking on the New Zealand bowlers. He ultimately concluded his innings at 109 runs off 67 balls after being dismissed by Glenn Phillips. Head’s extraordinary performance included seven sixes and ten fours.
Also READ: Australia announces squad for T20I series against India; Matthew Wade to lead the side
Destructive opening partnership with David Warner
During his stay at the crease, Head shared a scintillating partnership with fellow opener David Warner. The dynamic duo dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack right from the beginning. Together, Head and Warner amassed a formidable 175-run partnership, setting the stage for Australia to post a commanding total.
Social media erupts in praise for Head
Unsurprisingly, the electrifying performance by Head sent social media platforms into a frenzy. Fans, cricket enthusiasts and experts alike took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their awe and admiration for the Adelaide born-cricketer’s remarkable return and explosive century.
Also READ: World Cup 2023 – Aussie legend Shane Watson predicts the Player of the Tournament
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Remarkable that Travis Head hasn’t played a match for nearly Six Weeks because of injury, and walks into the World Cup and gets a century off 59 deliveries.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 28, 2023
HISTORIC:
Travis Head becomes the fastest to score a century on a World Cup debut. pic.twitter.com/Qkz8S5zgFc
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 28, 2023
HUNDRED ON WORLD CUP DEBUT…….!!!!!
TAKE A BOW, TRAVIS HEAD. pic.twitter.com/3uxnVoSoWm
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 28, 2023
Travis Head entry in the Australian team be like!! 🥵🥵#AUSvsNZ #PAKvSA #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/aNmrOxOZfK
— CricketComiX (@CricketComiX) October 28, 2023
Travis Head celebrating a century on CWC debut 💯🙌#CWC23 | #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/pjzgik7HGr
— ICC (@ICC) October 28, 2023
We needed Pakistan instead of Australia in top 4. Now that Travis Head is bach, this Australian team is too dangerous.#AUSvNZ#WorldCup2023
— Atrovoid (@atrovoid) October 28, 2023
#TravisHead 🏏 Travis Head is an absolute 🔥 in the World Cup! His breathtaking innings today left us all spellbound. What a player! 👏🇦🇺 #TravisHead #WorldCupCricket #CricketFever #AussiePride pic.twitter.com/MQR11ERuiE
— Priya Chauhan (@Priya26154) October 28, 2023
Travis Head nice warra return.
— Raghu (@Raghunandhanan_) October 28, 2023
Travis head🔥🙌🏻
🔥🔥🔥🔥#CWC23 #AUSvsNZ pic.twitter.com/82kKKutTyH
— NJ (@njparmar08) October 28, 2023
Ist match & Travis Head doing it for Aussies 😉#AUSvNZ
— Abraham Tabish khan (@tabish45_tweets) October 28, 2023
Travis Head made his return in style. Australia is looking strong. Looks like the Top 4 teams qualifying for the semifinal is almost certain #AUSvNZ #ICCWorldCup2023
— Stanley (@stanip7) October 28, 2023