Never expected this, not in a million years: Travis Head

Australia’s Travis Head celebrates his century during the final against India in Ahmedabad yesterday. Pic/AFP

Moments after dashing a billion hopes with the innings of his life in the World Cup final against India, Australia's ton-up opener Travis Head on Sunday said he "never expected this in a million years".

Head dominated the Indian bowlers on way to a match-winning 120-ball 137 to help Australia complete a chase of 241 with six wickets to spare for a record-extending sixth title in the tournament that started way back in 1975.

Also Read: IND vs AUS ICC World Cup 2023 final: Men in Blue sets 241 runs

"Never expected this, not in a million years, truly an exceptional day. A lot better than sitting on the couch at home," Head said after his heroics that silenced a packed crowd of over 1,30,000 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Australia recovered after losing three wickets for 47 runs in the sixth over thanks to the 192-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Head and Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out off 110 balls).

Also Read: IND vs AUS ICC World Cup 2023 final: TRAVIS DESERVES THIS HEADLINE

"Really glad to contribute, the first twenty balls I played gave me a lot of confidence and I was able to carry through. The way Mitch Marsh came out and took the game on, he set the tone. That was the energy we wanted and we knew the wicket may get tough," Head said.

Australia's decision to bowl after winning the toss was vindicated by their performance with the ball and on the field. "It was a great decision to bowl first after winning the toss. I felt the wicket got better as the day went on. It took a little bit of spin, it paid dividends. Nice to be a part of it, nice to play a role in all of that," Head said.

Regarding India skipper Rohit Sharma, who led his team to the final by playing some excellent cricket, Head said he is probably the most unlucky man in the world.

As far as his game is concerned, Head, who pulled off a stunner to send back the swashbuckling Rohit, said, "Again, it's [fielding] something that I worked hard on. I couldn't imagine getting a hundred, couldn't probably imagine holding onto that one. It was great to hold on to that catch.

"Important to look after your teammates, to be able to do that on the big stage in front of a full house is a nice thing."

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