With Aaron Finch retiring from ODIs, Australian test middle-order batter Travis Head has been given a chance to open for his country alongside David Warner in their upcoming 50-over series against England beginning Thursday.
Head returns to the side after appearing in losing efforts against Pakistan and Sri Lanka earlier this year. Despite the losses, Head stood out from the other struggling Aussies scoring three excellent scores (101, 89 and 70 not out) across six innings in the subcontinent.
The news also arrives with the South Australian out of form in domestic cricket, averaging 21 across six innings in the Sheffield Shield and scoring 27 and 55 in his two games in Marsh One-Day Cup.
However, this downturn in form isn't disparaging Head's efforts to secure a spot in the ODI World Cup in India next year, and he has fair reason to be reassured of his place in the team thanks to his poor form.
Head was in a similar struggle when he first opened for the ODI side against Pakistan in January 2017; despite that, his move up the order saw him score a spectacular 128 off 137 on his home ground, the Adelaide Oval.
Speaking to Cricket.com.au, Head detailed why he feels like he's just about to get back to his best.
“I actually feel like I've trained really, really well in the last couple of months,” he said.
“I know it hasn't flowed into the games as yet, but that's the beauty of it – I know it's just around the corner.
“And I remember going back to that day (against Pakistan in January 2017) with Davey (Warner) at the other end, he went at a million miles an hour and took the pressure off me.
“So I think as a batting partnership, we'll bounce off each other really well.
“We have in the past, so I'm looking forward to that partnership.”
Warner and Head have topped the order together four times and average a substantial 86.5 per innings so Australia will hope restoring this paring gives them an edge over the world champions.
But Head was quick to note that it will take time to build up a rapport with Warner again, specifically noting Warner's speed between the wickets as something he'll have to keep up with.
“I'm going to have to run fast between the wickets, which is something I'm not used to,” he continued.
“I try to hit boundaries, but I'll have to be on my best behaviour between the wickets.
“(But) he takes all the pressure off you at the other end. Scoring's not going to be an issue, and also how much pressure comes on his wicket.
“I know batting with Steve (Smith) it's felt a bit the same, how much importance the (opposition) put around the best players in the team and if you get into a good partnership, you can go a little bit unnoticed at the other end and then work through your gears.
“And hopefully I can take the pressure off him at some stages as well.”
The three-match series begins in Adelaide at 2:20 PM ADST before moving on to the SCG on the 19th and the MCG on the 22nd.
