Travis Head Released from T20I Squad for Ashes Preparation
Travis Head has been released from Australia’s T20 International squad for the final two matches against India to return to red-ball cricket with South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. This move is designed to help him prepare for the upcoming Ashes series starting on November 21 in Perth, according to cricket.com.au.
Head played in the first three T20Is of the five-match series but was given the option to continue with white-ball cricket or focus on domestic red-ball preparation. He chose to rejoin the Sheffield Shield, joining other senior players balancing workloads to fine-tune their Ashes readiness.
Other Senior Players Returning to Sheffield Shield
- Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood will play for New South Wales starting Monday.
- Cameron Green is expected to bowl for Western Australia against Queensland at the WACA Ground.
This collective return to first-class cricket highlights Australia’s strong emphasis on preparing for Test matches, especially with the Ashes less than three weeks away.
Travis Head’s Upcoming Match
Head will join Alex Carey to represent South Australia against Tasmania from November 10. This will be his first first-class match since the West Indies tour in July and an opportunity to regain form after a subdued white-ball period.
“The group’s red-ball focus underscores Australia’s emphasis on Test preparation, particularly with the Ashes less than three weeks away.”
Author's summary: Travis Head and other senior Australian players have left white-ball cricket to refocus on first-class matches, sharpening their skills ahead of the Ashes starting November 21.