Ashes 2023Really pleased with how I started, says Travis Head after scoring fifty on Day 2 of Edgbaston Test

By India Today Sports DeskAustralia batter Travis Head has said that he is really pleased with how he batted following his half-century on Day 2 of the first Ashes 2023 Test at Edgbaston. Australia ended Day 2 at 311 for 5, trailing England by 82 runs at stumps on Day 2.

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Speaking to Sky Sports after the end of Day 2, Head said it’s been two brilliant days of cricket so far which has set the tone for an amazing period of five-six weeks. Australia currently trail England by 82 runs after the hosts declared at 393 for 8 on Day 1 itself.

“It has been challenging throughout and we knew that. We have just been saying two brilliant days of cricket so far. It has set the tone for what is going to be an amazing five or six weeks. We are right in it,” said Head.

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He went on to say that he is really pleased with how he batted, insisting that he was able to capitalize on the conditions. Head scored 50 runs off 63 balls, hitting eight boundaries and a solitary six.

“I was really pleased with how I started. A lot more of a positive approach. I have always said if the ball presents a score, I want to score off it. Today I felt like I was able to capitalise on them and then face some good balls. It is a good challenge,” Head added.

Head heaped praise on Australia opener Usman Khawaja, saying it was a huge weight that was lifted off his shoulders. Khawaja scored his first-ever century in England, remaining unbeaten on 126 off 279 balls.

“A huge weight off his shoulders. I guess as an international cricketer, everyone talks about 100s overseas and he hasn’t had the greatest of times leading into this series. I know he is determined and once he got through that new ball on that wicket, he played beautifully,” said Head.

Khawaja’s century and fifties from Head and Alex Carey helped Australia post 311 for 5 at the end of Day 2. They will now be hoping for a good start on Day 3 to pile pressure on the hosts in the first Test of the five-match Ashes series.