The curtain has fallen on the 2025 Australian Cricket Awards, an event traditionally celebrated as cricket’s night of nights, and this year was no different in terms of recognizing the stellar performances across the cricketing landscape. Held at Crown Melbourne’s Palladium room, the awards night was a testament to the relentless spirit of Australian cricketers who have shone on the global stage.

Stellar performances honored

Travis Head emerged as the luminary of the evening, securing the Allan Border Medal for his exceptional performances across all formats. Over the eligibility period, Head amassed an impressive 1,427 runs, leading the Australian tally in Tests and T20Is, while finishing second in ODIs. His consistent, match-winning contributions made him the clear favorite for the night’s top honor, even though he couldn’t attend due to Australia’s Test tour in Sri Lanka.

Annabel Sutherland, on the other hand, was the beacon for women’s cricket, clinching the Belinda Clark Award. Her year was marked by a historic Test century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, making her the first woman to achieve this feat at that venue. Sutherland’s dominance was not just limited to Tests; she was a pivotal player in ODIs and T20Is, showcasing her versatility and cementing her status as one of the most promising talents in Australian cricket.

Josh Hazlewood was recognized for his metronomic bowling in Test cricket, earning the Shane Warne Men’s Test Player of the Year award. His 35 wickets at an average of 13.60 were a testament to hi?s skill and consistency, especially considering he played only five Tests during the voting period.

Also READ: Most beautiful women cricketer! Ellyse Perry steal hearts? with her glamorous looks at the Australian Cricket Awards ??2025

Complete list of award winners

• Belinda Clark Award �?Annabel Sutherland
• Allan Border Medal �?Travis Head
• Female ODI Player of the Year �?Ashleigh Gardner
• Female T20I Player of the Year �?Beth Mooney
• Male Test Player of the Year �?Josh Hazlewood
• Male ODI Player of the Year �?Travis Head
• Male T20I Player of the Year �?Adam Zampa
• Female Domestic Player of the Year �?Georgia Voll
• Male Domestic Player of the Year �?Beau Webster
• Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year �?Chloe Ainsworth
• Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year �?Sam Konstas
• Community Impact Award �?Cameron Green
• Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductees �?Raelee Thompson, Justin Langer
• BBL|14 Players of the Tournament – Cooper Connolly & Glenn Maxwell
• WBBL|10 Players of the Tournament – Jess Jonassen & Ellyse Perry

Also WATCH: Mitchell Marsh jokes about Jasprit Bumrah’s nightmare in a hilarious?? revelation at Australian Cricket Awards

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In the world of cricket, moments of individual brilliance often define matches, and during the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka in Galle, Travis Head delivered a catch that will be remembered for years to come. As Australia piled on a massive first-innings total of 654 runs, their fielding remained equally impressive, culminating in Head’s stunning one-handed catch that left spectators and players alike in awe.

Australia’s dominance on Day 2 of the Galle Test

Australia’s batting performance on Day 2 was nothing short of spectacular. Usman Khawaja‘s double century (232 runs) and Steve Smith‘s commanding 141 set the foundation for a commanding total. With contributions from debutant Josh Inglis, who scored a brisk 102, the Australian side show?cased their batting depth and resilience. As they declared?? at 654 for 6, Sri Lanka found themselves under immense pressure even before they faced the Australian bowlers.

Travis Head plucks a screamer to dismiss Angelo Mathews

As Sri Lanka began their innings, the pressure mounted quickly. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon was in fine form, and it was during his spell that Head produced a moment of magic. Positioned at short leg, Head demonstrated remarkable reflexes when Angelo Mathews attempted to defend a sharply turning delivery from Lyon. The ball deflected off Mathews’ bat and soared towards Head, who instinctively launched himself into the air, executing a breathtaking one-handed catch.

The reaction from both sides was immediate; Lyon celebrated exuberantly while Mathews walked off in disbelief. The on-field umpire had no hesitation in raising his finger to signal the dismissal, further emphasizing the quality of Head’s effort. This catch not only highlighted Head’s athleticism but also underscored Australia’s commitment to maintaining high standards in fielding, even as they dominated with the bat.

Also READ: SL vs AU?S 2025: Fans celebrate majestic?? display from Usman Khawaja and Josh Inglis on Day 2 of the 1st Test

Here’s the video:

Travis Head flies at bat pad! ✈️

Nathan Lyon gets Australia's THIRD #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/Nx4KxB0bwy

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 30, 2025

A team effort amidst individual brilliance

While Head’s catch was a standout moment, it was part of a larger narrative of Australian excellence in Galle. Earlier in the day, Matthew Kuhnemann had already removed Oshada Fernando, and Mitchell Starc reached a career milestone by taking his 700th international wicket by dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne. By the end of Day 2, Sri Lanka found themselves reeling at 44 for 3, trailing by an astoni??shing 610 runs.

This collective effort from the Australian team is indicative of their approach to Test cricket—an unwavering ??focus on both batting and fielding excellence. As they look to build on this strong start in Galle, the team’s confidence is palpable.

With Sri Lanka struggling at the c??rease and facing an uphill battle to salvage the match, they will need extraordinary performances from their remaining batters to mount a comeback. The pressure is squarely on them as they seek to recover from a day filled with Australian dominance bo??th with bat and ball.

Also READ: Steve Smith names three Aust??ralian players who can reach 10,000 Test runs mark

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Australian explosive opener Travis Head has clarified his stance on franchise cricket, expressing a clear focus on representing his national team and maintaining a balanced schedule. Head emphasized that apart from playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has no intention of participat??ing in other franchise le?agues.

Travis Head: “IPL is the only franchise league I’ll play”

Head stated that he will not participate in franchise cricket outside of the IPL and Big Bash League. He emphasized prioritizing rest and Test cricket, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing multiple tournaments like Major League Cricket (MLC) or The Hundred. Head values the opportunity to rest during the current tour and remains focused on contributing to Test cricket ??as his top priority.

“I won’t play franchise cricket other than IPL. Big Bash will be the third team I play for, so I won’t play anything other than that at this stage, and I think that gives me the opportunity to have that time off. It’s pretty hard to have those eight days off and then play MLC in a couple of months�?time or the Hundred. So I understand that and I’m very lucky to have those seven days off on this tour and Test cricket’s the most important thing at the moment for us as a group. So I want to put as much effort as I can into that,” Head said to the reporters ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Mitchell Owen’s blazing ton powers Hobart Hurricanes to title win in BBL|14 f??inal against Sydney Thunder

Head’s IPL success and contributions in various franchise

Head showcased his batting prowess in the IPL while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In the last edition, he delivered a stellar performance, amass??ing 567 runs in 15 matches. His campaign included four half-centuries and a century, earning him the title of the fourth-highest run-?scorer of the tournament.

Head also represents the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, though scheduling conflicts prevented him from playing in BBL|14. The overlap with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, where Head excelled as Australia’s leading run-scorer with 448 runs in five matches, kept him out of the domestic T20 league. Head’s franchise success extends to Major League Cricket, where he plays for Washington Freedom. In the previous edition, he tied with teammate Steve Smith as the second-highest run-scorer, tallying 336?? runs in nine matches. Despite his achievements, Head’s decision to scale back his participation reflects his desire to manage workload and focus on key commitments.

Also READ: Indian star named??? ICC Test Cricketer of the Year 2024

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The recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series saw Australia reclaim a title that had eluded them for nearly a decade, with Travis Head emerging as a standout performer. His contributions were pivotal in securing a 3-1 series victory over India, a team that had previously dominated their encounters. However, Head’s celebratory antics following the win have drawn significant backlash on social media, as he seemingly rubbed salt into the wounds of Indian cricket fans still reeling from multiple recent defeats.

A series to remember for Travis Head

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a rollercoaster ride for both teams. Australia, after suffering a heavy 295-run defeat in the opening Test in Perth, rebounded spectacularly. They won the next three Tests in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, showcasing their resilience and determination. Head was instrumental in this turnaround, finishing as the series’ leading run-scorer with an impressive 448 runs, including two centuries. His performances not only helped Australia regain the trophy but also secured their place in the World Test Championship final against South Africa.

Head’s aggressive batting style was on full display throughout the series. After his initial setback, he scored a magnificent 140 in Adelaide and followed it up with a remarkable 152 in Brisbane. His ability to dominate Indian bowlers became a recurring theme, earning him accolades and further solidifying his status as a nemesis for India.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Cricket Australia accepts ??mistake after Sunil Gavaskar robbed off presenting BGT Trophy to the winning team

Mockery or celebration from Head?

Following Australia’s victory, Head took to social media to share his triumph. He posted an Instagram reel that included highlights of Australia’s recent wins over India in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup, captioning it with “It feels right”—a remark that many interpreted as mocking. Additionally, he shared an image of himself with his finger in juice, a gesture reminiscent of an earlier controversy involving Rishabh Pant during the Boxing Day Test. This prompted outrage among Indian fans who felt that Head’s actions were disrespectful and insensitive given the context of their team’s struggles.

The backlash was swift and severe. Social media platforms were flooded with comments criticizing Head for his perceived arrogance and lack o?f sportsmanship. Fans pointed out that while celebrating victories is part of sports culture, mocking opponents—especially those who have faced recent defeats—crosses a line. The sentiment echoed through various discussions online, highlighting how competitive spirit can sometimes be overshadowed by unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Travis Head antics ain't gonna stop🙃🙃 pic.twitter.com/AD9rJmGLG9

— Akash Thapa (@AkashThapa2505) January 6, 2025

The bigger picture

Head’s antics have reignited discussions about sportsmanship in cricket. While celebrating victories is natural for athletes, it is crucial to maintain respect for opponents who are also striving for excellence. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series not only showcased Australia’s resurgence but also reflected on India’s struggles, which included failing to qualify for the World Test Championship final due to this series loss.

Also READ: Here’s how Aust?ralia have performed against each cricketing nation in the??ir recent Test encounters

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The fourth Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 ended with Australia beating India and taking a crucial 2-1 lead in the leg with one Test left. While many moments captured fans attention from the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a bizarre incident has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Australian all-rounder Travis Head was faced the heat following his weird celebration after he dismissed India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.

Travis Head’s celebration sparks outrage

The incident unfolded on the final day of the game when Head, brought into the attack by Australian captain Pat Cummins, managed to dismiss the well-set Pant. The Indian star, attempting a pull shot off a short delivery, mistimed it, sending a catch to Mitchell Marsh at deep mid-wicket. This dismissal was pivotal, as it sparked a collapse in India’s batting lineup, leading to an Australian victory by 184 runs and securing a 2-1 lead in the series.

However, it was Head’s celebration after the wicket that drew significant attention and criticism. Head performed a gesture where he made a hole with his left hand and repeatedly inserted his right index finger into it, a move that was quick to be labeled as ‘vulgar’ or ‘obscene’ by many on social media and in the cricketing world.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s the reason behind Travis Head’s weird celebration after dismissing Rishabh Pant on Day 5 of MCG Test

Navjot Singh Sidhu demands ICC to take action against Head

Former Indian cricketer and a popular broadcaster Navjot Singh Sidhu also expressed his strong disapproval with the act of Head. Sidhu, who has always been known for his outspoken nature, particularly on matters concerning the integrity of cricket, demanded the International Crick??et ??Council (ICC) take action. His call for a review on the matter was echoed by fans and former cricketers alike, many of whom felt that while cricket allows for exuberant celebrations, they should not cross into disrespect or vulgarity.

Sidhu’s social media post went on to describe the act as setting the “worst possible example” when children, women, and people of all ages are watching the game. Sidhu also called for “stringent punishment” to deter such conduct in the future, emphasizing the need to uphold the spirit of cricket.

“Travis head’s obnoxious behaviour during the course of the Melbourne test doesn’t auger well for for the gentleman’s game…�?sets the worst possible example when there are kids, women , young & old watching the game…�? this caustic conduct did not insult an individual but a nation of 1.5 billion Indians……stringent punishment that would serve a deterrent for the future generations needs to be slapped on him so that no one dares follow suit !!!” wrote Sidhu on X (formerly Twitter).

Travis head’s obnoxious behaviour during the course of the Melbourne test doesn’t auger well for for the gentleman’s game…�?sets the worst possible example when there are kids, women , young & old watching the game…�? this caustic conduct did not insult an individual but a�?/p>

— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) December 30, 2024

Australian captain Pat Cummins explains Head’s controversial gesture

The gesture, although intended as a light-hearted inside joke according to Australian captain Cummins, was explained as Head mimicking putting his hot finger into a cup of ice, a reference to a previous celebration after taking a wicket. Despite Cummins’ attempt to diffuse the situation during the post-match press conference, the celebration had already sparked widespread debate about sportsmanship, cultural sensitivity, and the boundaries of on-field celebrations.

Also READ: 3 key reasons behind Team India’s loss against Australia in the Boxing Day Te??st

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Travis Head has been instrumental with the bat in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring 410 runs in 7 innings so far. However, in the 4th Test at Melbourne, the middle-order batter turned out to be a trouble for the Indian team with the bowl. Head took an important breakthrough for his team as he got rid of a dangerous-looking Rishabh Pant who had played 104 balls befor??e his dismissal. However, it was not Pant’s wicket but Head’s celebration which stole the spotlight.

Travis Head’s celebration left the cricketing community puzzled

Head’s celebration came as he broke a crucial 4th wicket partnership for India after Tea. Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal had earlier stopped the fall of wickets after the entire Indian top-order crashed following skipper Rohit Sharma’s departure. The duo batted for an entire session post-lunch, saving their wickets but the Aussies had choked the runs too. This proved to be too much for Pant, who tried to end the drought of runs and played a lofted shot to give an easy catch to Mitchell Marsh on the boundary.

After the breakthrough, Head celebrated his success by making a hollow form of his left hand and putting his index finger of the other h?and in it. Fans and analysts alike were puzzled at what the celebration meant from the 31-year-old. The celebration didn’t sit well with the Indian fans as they deemed it as an offensive gesture.

Also Read: WATCH: Rishabh Pant runs out Mitchell Starc with ??a perfect throw on Day 4 of the AUS vs IND 4th Test

Travis Head gets Rishabh Pant and pulls out a unique celebration 👀#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/EVvcmaiFv7

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2024

Reason behind Head’s unusual celebration

The real reason behind Head’s celebration appeared later on during the match as India’s second innings progressed further. Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw provided a rational reason behind the out-of-the-box celebration from the part-time bowler. After taking 4/10 in 2022 against Sri Lanka, Head had joked about needing to ‘put the digit on ice’ after his sensational spell. Brayshaw argued that it was a remembrance of the spell back then as Head was wicketless before that match in Test cricket. His co-commentator, Greg Blewett was also clueless about the celebration, as he said, “I had no idea what that was about, but great work from the backroom team to figure it out.”

Head has emerged out to be a handy bowling option apart from his batting prowess. The South Australian has taken 14 wickets and bowled 11 maiden overs in his Test career so far. The middle order batter didn’t contribute in his team’s win much with the bat at the MCG, but getting an important breakthrough would have given him some sort of redemption.

Also Read: AUS vs I??ND: Fans troll Rishabh Pant over poor show w?ith the bat on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test

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