Travis Head’s stint in the summer of cricket has come to an end as Cricket Australia opted to release the middle-order batter from its white-ball squads, which means he won’t be taking part in remaining 2 ODIs against West Indies.
Throughout the 2023/24 season, Head played a pivotal role in Australia’s ODI World Cup triumph. However, his performance in the Test summer was marked by struggles, despite managing to score one century.
Additionally, Head faced a setback when he tested positive for COVID-19 during the Test series against the West Indies. His last 9 balls in international cricket have resulted in four dismissals and one boundary.
As a result of his release, the 30-year-old will not be available for the final two ODIs against the West Indies and the subsequent three T20 matches against the same opponent.
Josh Hazlewood has been drafted into the squad as Head’s replacement, after initially being rested from the ODI series along with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
Australia’s decision to release Head is part of their preparations for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, where the team is set to face off against the Black Caps in the first Test scheduled for February 29.
With no direct replacement named for Head in the squad, speculation arises that emerging talent Jake Fraser-McGurk might make his ODI debut at the SCG.
In other squad adjustments, debutant Xavier Bartlett, who made a remarkable impact with figures of 4-17 in the first ODI, has been rested, while Spencer Johnson has been added to the squad as additional cover.
Cricket Australia clarified that Bartlett’s resting is part of his “ongoing management,” considering his recent recovery from a back injury during the first half of Australia’s domestic season.
The reshuffling of the squad signifies Australia’s strategic planning and player management efforts as they gear up for future challenges and competitions on the international stage.
Australia won the first ODI against West Indies at the MCG on February 2, 2024. West Indies batted first and scored 231 runs in 48.4 overs. In response, Australia chased down the target, scoring 232/2 in 38.3 overs, winning the match by 8 wickets with 69 balls remaining.
Debutant Xavier Bartlett made a significant impact, taking 4 wickets for 17 runs. Josh Inglis was the top scorer for Australia with 65 runs. The match was part of the West Indies tour of Australia 2023/24, and Australia led the 3-match series 1-0.
