In the second over of the second innings, as Washington were in pursuit of 130 for victory, Andre Russell came into the attack for LA Knight Riders. The fifth ball of the over saw him attempt a bouncer, with Head on strike.
The Australian batter attempted to pull the short-pitched delivery, but was rushed for pace as the ball slammed into the sticker of his bat, just below the shoulder. It popped away towards midwicket — but so did the bat. The face of the bat went flying into the leg side, separating from the handle.
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— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 15, 2024
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Close-ups from the broadcast camera caught the incident in slow motion, showing how the bat face gradually 'unravelled' from the handle, eventually pulling it along. Head also registered an expression of pure surprise as he realised what had happened, and perhaps in shock did not attempt a run either.
In the first innings, Saurabh Netravalkar and Glenn Maxwell took seven wickets between them to help bowl out LA Knight Riders for 129. Head went on to score 54, and Steve Smith and unbeaten 42 as Washington Freedom chased down the total in 16 overs.
Watch Travis Head's bat split in two here
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