As the Australia-England ODI series heads into its fifth and deciding match, the Australian team is facing challenges both on and off the field. Opening batter Travis Head revealed that several players in the Australian camp have been affected by illness.
The five-match series is tied 2-2, with Australia winning the first two games before England bounced back, leveling the series with a dominant 186-run victory at Lord’s in the fourth ODI.
The final match is set for Sunday, September 29, at the County Ground in Bristol. Speaking after the fourth ODI, Head acknowledged the team’s difficulties: “A couple of the boys have been crook, and it hasn’t been ideal. I’m hoping to go out with a bang in a couple of days,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Despite the setbacks, Head remains confident about his form and the team’s prospects. He scored 34 runs off 23 balls in the Lord’s game, where his partnership with Mitchell Marsh provided a strong start, though the team was eventually bowled out for 126.
Additionally, all-rounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour due to back discomfort. Head expressed disappointment about Green’s departure but is hopeful for his recovery. “Greeny’s gone home … It’s disappointing, but he’ll know the way to get back,” he said.