Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri feels that Travis Head’s ability to read the short ball quite early is the reason for the Australian batsman’s phenomenal success in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series, while adding a lighter touch , for which the visitors would like to have a balm for the “headache”.

After being dismissed for 11 in his first innings of the series, Head scored 89, 140 and 152 in his next three games. He played a crucial role in the pink-ball Test, which Australia won by ten wickets and leveled the five-match series 1-1.

“I think he (boss) is very smart. From what I saw from him three years ago, he has improved tremendously. Especially with the way he plays the short ball. He is ready to leave it. He has learned to let it go sometimes,” said Shastri.

The former India coach added that Head’s ability to quickly assess the line and length of the delivery gives him time to play the right shot.

“It’s not always a big blow when a short delivery goes diagonally to his armpits or something. He’s ready to either ride with it or throw himself at the big guys. And if it is middle, middle and off, then he hits it in front of the square too,” Shastri said.

Native American legend goes on to say that Head was difficult to stop when he sang.

“He absorbs the length very well. This is one of his great strengths. And he has a flashing blade for offside. So he is difficult to tame. And he is in the form of his life.” On a lighter note, Shastri said India was looking for a balm for a “headache” called Travis.