Head opts out of T20 squad for Ashes prep as he will play for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield next week.
Head leaves T20I squad for red-ball Ashes preparation.
As he prepares for the Ashes and plays for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield, Travis Head will miss the last two T20I series matches against India.
Head’s first first-class encounter since the July tour of the West Indies will take place in Hobart next week when he plays Tasmania. After scoring 142 against South Africa in August, he has had a comparatively poor run in white-ball cricket over the past month, with a top score of 31 in eight innings between T20Is and ODIs.
With his propensity to impact games with his counterattacking style, Head is a key component of Australia’s Test lineup, where he will start at No. 5. It is believed that Head was given some latitude in determining whether or not he desired a four-day match prior to taking on England.
With most, if not all, of the South Australian squad—which will be announced later this week—expected to play, his inclusion will add to an already stellar Sheffield Shield round before the first Test.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who left the T20I series after the second game in Melbourne, will play for New South Wales against Victoria in an attack that will include Nathan Lyon.
Scott Boland, who was rested for the game against Tasmania in Melbourne, is anticipated to make his third Shield appearance of the season for Victoria.
For the first time since the season’s first game, Cameron Green will play for Western Australia against Queensland.
Matt Renshaw has been in the opening conversation, and Marnus Labuschagne will probably be eager for another match before the Test series, where he will undoubtedly earn a recall.
Beau Webster will represent Tasmania against South Australia, who will have Head and Alex Carey available. Brendan Doggett is also scheduled to play for SA; by then, he might have been listed as one of the backup quicks.