New Delhi: Australia captain Pat Cummins provided an explanation for Travis Head‘s unique celebration during the Melbourne Test against India. Head made the gesture after dismissing Rishabh Pant, breaking the partnership between Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Pant and Jaiswal frustrated the Australian bowlers, building a partnership that spanned almost 33 overs. Just when India seemed to be heading for a draw, Head dismissed Pant in the third session of Day 5.
When asked about the meaning behind Travis Head’s unique celebration after taking the wicket of Rishabh Pant, Australian captain Pat Cummins explained at the post-match press conference:
“I didn’t see his celebration. What was it? It was above board. Oh sorry. Yes okay. I can explain that. His finger is so hot, he has to put it in a cup of ice. Yeah, that’s what it is. Normally, it’s a running joke. At the Gabba or somewhere, he got a wicket and just went straight to the fridge, grabbed a bucket of ice, put his finger in, and walked in front of Lyon. I think it’s very funny. So that’s what it would have been. Nothing else (laughs).”
Although Head bowled only five overs in the second innings, he took the crucial wicket of Pant, finishing with figures of 1/14.
Pat Cummins led Australia from the front in the Boxing Day Test against India, scoring 90 runs and taking six wickets. His all-round performance was instrumental in Australia’s 184-run victory, earning him the Player of the Match award. With this win, Australia now leads the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series 2-1. The fifth Test begins on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
If Australia wins the Sydney Test against India, they will qualify for the WTC final, regardless of the results in Sri Lanka. Even if they win in Sydney but lose both Tests in Sri Lanka, they will finish with 57.02 percentage points, ahead of India’s 50 and Sri Lanka’s 53.85.
