Head stocks rising as Ponting makes comparison with Australian great

Ricky Ponting has compared Travis Head’s batting to that of ICC Hall of Famer Adam Gilchrist and thinks Head is well on his way to becoming an all-time great.

Ponting hailed Head’s bold batting approach and match-winning consistency when speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the most recent episode of The ICC Review.

Head produced a remarkable knock during the second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, where he was named Player of the Match after scoring a stunning 140 to help level the series at 1-1.

“He's on the way to being one of those (greats),” Ponting remarked.

“I don't think you can call him a great just yet. That's no knock on what he's doing because what he's doing has been spectacular. And a lot of the times, it's been when his team's needed him the most.”

Watch: Head scores superb century in 2023 WTC Final

Head has been a tormentor for India over the last 18 months, scoring a magnificent 163 in the ICC World Test Championship Final in 2023 and a match-winning 137 in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup decider later that year.

Watch: Head sinks India with century in World Cup Final

Ponting highlighted Head’s knack of turning up when the stakes are high, pointing to his game-changing knocks against India, as well as his hundreds in Brisbane and Hobart against England in the most recent Ashes series Down Under.

"Think about the World Cup semi-final, the World Cup final, World Test Championship, Ashes in Australia a couple of years ago,” Ponting said. “Big moments are when Travis has found a way to stand up."

Adam Gilchrist (left) and Travis Head during the recent Adelaide Test // Getty Images

It’s why Ponting is comparing Head to his former teammate Gilchrist, who was famous for his aggressive strokeplay and for stepping up on the biggest stage when his team needed him most.

Gilchrist revolutionised cricket after his debut in 1996 with his swashbuckling batting and fearless approach at the crease, inspiring a generation of wicket-keeper-batters. He was a key cog in the Australian side in a decade when they were almost invincible in world cricket, winning three Cricket World Cups, and numerous other trophies.

“The obvious one is Gilly,” Ponting said. “The way that Head plays is in a very similar way to the way that Gilchrist played, albeit a couple of positions higher in the batting order. Gilly was a six or seven, and Travis is doing his damage at No.5.

“I love sitting back and watching him play. It’s quite refreshing to watch guys play that way. It doesn’t matter what the situation is, Travis is going to come out and play the same way, and I love that.”

Head’s 141-ball 140-run knock in Adelaide, according to Ponting, was another testament to his ability to shine under pressure. With India making a comeback after picking up two quick wickets, the match hung in the balance.

However, Head’s fearless batting turned the tide, guiding Australia from 101/3 towards a commanding total. “It's Travis's attitude that allows him to play the way that he's played,” Ponting said. “He's not scared of getting out. He doesn’t care about the negative result. He's only seeing the positive outcome in everything that he does.”

His Adelaide heroics moved Head up to No.5 in the latest ICC Men’s Test batting rankings.