Follow UsTravis Head is one of the best batters of the current generation and terrorised many bowlers around the world, but has been a bunny to his Australian teammate Mitchell Starc in all formats. 8 innings, 34 deliveries, 18 runs, 6 wickets - this is what Starc has done against Head in top-level cricket.
Even in Match 10 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Vizag on March 30 (Sunday), Delhi Capitals’ (DC) seamer Starc got the better of Head, getting him caught behind for 22 off 12.
When asked about his superb record against Head, Starc said: “I think that's why he doesn't face the first ball anymore.”
Starc isn’t wrong. While playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024, Starc knocked over Head for a 2-ball 0 in the Qualifier 1. When the two teams faced off against each other in the final, it was Abhishek Sharma who took the strike against Starc.
And the same thing happened today, but it made no difference whatsoever. Starc dismissed Head once again, and ended up taking his maiden five-wicket haul in the 20-over format. “We know how such a powerful side Sunrisers are,” said Starc, who finished with figures of 5/35.
“We knew powerplay wickets were key. All-round, it was a fantastic performance in the first innings of this game. It's nice to be in a new franchise. Our second game, it's been great to settle in with the guys and get to know a few people.”
Starc also became the oldest ever pacer, and the second-oldest ever player, to take a five-wicket haul in the IPL. “I am 35 and I am not young, but hope there's still little life left. I am an older one, there's a chance to talk to the young guys, try and help where I can. I still enjoy my cricket, still love the competitive nature of it and that's why I am still playing.”