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Xtra Time Web Desk: Travis Head continued his dominance over India, smashing his second consecutive century in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy and third overall against the side, putting Australia in a commanding position in the third Test at the Gabba, Brisbane.

Fresh from his match-winning knock of 140 off 141 balls in Adelaide during the pink-ball Test, which propelled Australia to a 10-wicket win, Head once again unleashed his prowess against his favorite opponents. His latest century, the ninth in his Test career, came off 115 balls, laced with 13 boundaries.

Read More: BGT 2024-25: Mohammed Siraj’s playful bail switch riles up Marnus Labuschagne at the Gabba

Head’s knack for delivering against India has been evident throughout the past year. His pivotal 163 in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June 2023 steered Australia to the title. Later, his blistering 137 in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup final handed India a crushing defeat on home soil in November.

HE'S DONE IT AGAIN!

Travis Head brings up another hundred ⭐️#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/10yBuL883X

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 15, 2024

The ongoing series has seen Head at his prime, with an astonishing average of 113. His consistent run includes a fiery 89 in the second innings at Perth. Head’s career average against India now stands at 59.20. To make matters worse for India, Australia have never lost a Test match in which Head scored a century.

Read More: BGT 2024-25: Siraj’s cheeky bail swap leaves Labuschagne amused before dismissal

For Rohit Sharma and his team, a loss in this Test would not only spell defeat but also derail their chances of securing a third straight WTC final appearance.

Sunil Gavaskar criticizes Rohit Sharma’s captaincy

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed concerns over Rohit Sharma's field placements, particularly against Travis Head. During commentary, Gavaskar highlighted a moment when the gully fielder was moved to deep third man and later brought back, calling it a misstep.

“Looking to close the stable doors after the horse has bolted. You just make it easy for him,” said Gavaskar. “You’ve seen him play the shot before. The gully fielder has to be sharp, and when the batter slashes, it comes like lightning. By keeping a fielder at deep third, Head will think twice before attempting that ramp shot.”

India's struggles with fielding strategy and execution have only compounded their woes against Head’s relentless form.