Australia’s batter Travis Head has been removed from the T20I squad set to face India in order to focus on some red-ball practice in the Sheffield Shield ahead of the highly anticipated Ashes series. The decision comes after Head’s performance in the recent T20 matches, where he managed only six runs in the third T20 in Hobart, contributing to Australia’s five-wicket loss against India.
Head’s previous outing saw him score 28 runs in Australia’s four-wicket victory in Melbourne. His absence from the T20 squad will allow him to participate in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield clash against Tasmania next week, as confirmed by Cricket Australia.
The first test of the Ashes series is scheduled to kick off in Perth on November 21. Meanwhile, the T20 series against India is currently tied at 1-1, with the fourth match set to take place on the Gold Coast this Thursday. The series opener in Canberra was unfortunately washed out due to rain, adding to the unpredictability of the series.
Head’s decision to shift focus to the four-day format is seen as a strategic move, allowing him to fine-tune his skills ahead of the demanding Ashes series. The shift underscores the importance of preparation for Australian cricketers, particularly regarding the different challenges presented by red-ball cricket in the context of international competitions.
The Australian team remains optimistic as they navigate these adjustments, showing resilience and adaptability in preparation for the exciting upcoming month of cricket.