Travis Head largely helmed Australia’s first innings and he needs to continue that good run, as and when the host commences its chase in the first Test.
The middle-order batsman felt the Adelaide Oval pitch eases a bit on the fourth and fifth days.
Precedents
“This year bigger scores have been made and teams have batted out draws. It’s more of a new-ball wicket at the moment and it’s vital to win those moments.
“On day four and five, it gets easier to bat,” Head said at Saturday’s press conference, and added, “300 runs have been chased in Sheffield Shield matches.”
Head refused to read much into the booing against Kohli.
“He is a pretty good player and probably doesn't deserve to be booed, but that’s how it is. It’s probably not needed, but that’s the crowd.”
Shifting his attention to Cheteshwar Pujara, Head said: “The way he played in the first innings was the blueprint for this pitch. He had a really good leaving-game, good forward defence, and as the ball got softer, he got more runs.”
About tackling R. Ashwin for the remainder of the match, Head said: “I just tried to stay busy. I was really positive against the off-spinner, watching the ball and not premeditating.
“It’s going to be the same in the next innings, there’s not much rough for the left-handers but this wicket always spins with the grass-coverage.”