BGT 2024-25: "They had difference of opinion" Tim Paine reveals how Justin Langer's departure led to revival of Travis Head's career

Travis Head’s blistering century helped Australia win the Adelaide test against India.

Travis Head has been in a surreal form over the last three years, having revived his career upon his return to the side in the 2021/22 home Ashes series.

The left-hander has become arguably the most destructive batsmen across formats in the world and has helped Australia record several victories. Following his heroics in the Ashes 2021/22, three of his most memorable performances have come against India – in the finals of the ICC WTC 2023 and the World Cup 2023, and the recently-concluded Adelaide test.

Since December 2021, Head is the third-highest run-scorer across formats, with 11 centuries and 21 fifties.

Former Australia test captain Tim Paine has opined that this sensational form of Head’s is a result of the departure of former coach Justin Langer, who resigned after the 2021/22 Ashes.

Langer tried really hard for Head to work on his defence: Tim Paine

Paine made an interesting revelation that Langer put a lot of effort working on Head’s defence and curbed his attacking instincts. The former stumper reckons under Andrew McDonald and Pat Cummins, the left-hander has been liberated and has been batting with a lot of freedom.

“I don’t think either of them will mind me saying this, but I think he and JL (Justin Langer) used to have a real difference of opinion,” Paine told SEN Breakfast.

“They were trying really hard for him to work on his defence and it wasn’t the way he wanted to go about it, but he was a young Test player who was trying to impress and trying to stay in the team, so he was trying to please a bit of everyone.

“I think that’s been the major shift in his output because he is sticking true to the way he wants to play.”

The BGT 2024-25 is currently leveled at 1-1. The third test will be played in Brisbane from December 14.

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