Nathan Lyon has at all times identified Travis Head had the power to be considered one of world cricket’s most damaging middle-order gamers.
Head is on the verge of a century in consecutive years on the Gabba after hitting an unbeaten 78 from 77 balls throughout a counter-attacking knock, placing Australia in a commanding place after day one of many first Test in opposition to South Africa.
Just like he did in final yr’s Ashes opener on the Brisbane venue, Head took the sport on regardless of Australia being in early bother.
Australia had been reeling at 3-27 after the Proteas quicks ripped by the top-order, with famous person paceman Kagiso Rabaga dismissing David Warner for a golden duck.
But by the tip of the ultimate session, Head had remodeled the sport to depart Australia solely seven runs shy of South Africa’s first-innings whole of 152.
Lyon believed Head was benefiting from a robust household life after his spouse Jess gave start to their first baby this yr.
“There’s no secret to how much I love Trav and how much I love seeing Trav do extremely well,” Lyon stated.
“I’ve always known that he’s been able to to bat like this, I’ve seen it plenty of times in the nets before and even out in different games
“I believe Trav’s extraordinarily completely happy off the sector, I believe that makes a giant distinction.”
Head will likely be out to capitalise on a effective begin and rating his sixth Test century to push Australia’s in direction of a giant lead.