NewKerala.com

Travis Head Reflects on Stellar Ashes Series, 600 Runs & Opening Role

Travis Head has expressed satisfaction with his major contribution of over 600 runs in the ongoing Ashes series, a performance he admits he did not anticipate. He credits batting alongside stalwarts like Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, who have traditionally been the team's "heavy lifters." Head's promotion to opener in the Perth Test proved a series-defining move, resulting in a match-winning century. While his form makes him a likely candidate to continue opening, Head states the final decision on the batting order rests with the team's leadership and selectors.

Key Points: Travis Head on Ashes Performance & Opening Bat Future

  • Head scores 600 runs in Ashes
  • Credits Labuschagne & Smith as "heavy lifters"
  • Promoted to opener in Perth Test
  • Australia leads series 3-1
  • Top of WTC standings
3 min read

"It's nice to contribute the way I have in the series": Travis Head speaks on his performance in Ashes

Travis Head discusses his 600-run Ashes series, batting with Smith & Labuschagne, and his future as a Test opener after a match-winning promotion.

"It's nice to contribute the way I have in the series like this. - Travis Head"

Sydney, January 6

Aided by a magnificent 163 from Travis Head, Australia ended Day 3 with a masive 518/7 against England's 384 in the first innings of the fifth Ashes Test.

His latest knock, having helped him to the 600-run mark in the ongoing Ashes series, Head expressed his emotions on a stellar run with the bat.

"It's nice to contribute the way I have in the series like this. I am not normally the one who is doing the heavy lifting as such," Head told the reporters as quoted from the ICC website.

Head felt lucky to bat alongside heavy hitters like Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. He feels fortunate to have contributed to the team's success, acknowledging that he didn't expect to have such a standout series.

"The likes of Marnus (Labuschagne) or Smudge (Steve Smith) have been the heavy lifters. The guys who have really driven the game. Davey (David Warner) in the past as well. I have been very lucky to bat around those guys. Nice that I have put a finger out and help them out on the other side. But yeah, I wouldn't have come into the series thinking that I will have a series that I have," Travis Head said.

Head has amassed 600 runs from nine innings so far in the series, averaging 66.67 with three hundreds to his name.

A series-defining moment for Australia came in the first Test in Perth, when Head was promoted to the opening spot. The swashbuckling left-hander immediately repaid the faith of the management with a match-winning ton.

Asked if he believes his runs as a Test opener now seal the spot for him, Head replied that there is still time for the two-time WTC finalists to take that call.

"We have got a lot of time, haven't we? Right now, you sit here and go, yeah, the next test we play, I will have come off a hundred while opening the batting. It's probably got to look likely," Head said.

"But this role and order and where we think guys are going to match up and where we are going to fit the guys in, I think, is still where my head's at. And I think with the leadership of the group and the selectors, we have been pretty open about that. How we match up and how we want to best suit this team. This series is the most important thing right now," Head added.

Casting his sight back to the promotion up the order in the Perth Test, Head added, "I feel it was the right call in Perth to go that way, very pleased that I was able to get an opportunity to do that. There are never guarantees that I'm going to get the job done, but I feel like it helped set our team really well."

Australia currently lead 3-1 in the ongoing five-Test series, and sits at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings with six wins from seven Tests in this cycle so far.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
His modesty is refreshing. Acknowledging Smith and Labuschagne as the "heavy lifters" while he himself has 600 runs at 66+ average! That's the sign of a great team culture. England just had no answers.
A
Aditya G
As an Indian fan, watching this Aussie dominance is a bit worrying for the WTC final prospects! 😅 But you have to admire Head's form. Promoted to open and he delivers a ton. That's clutch performance. Our team needs to find such match-winners in all conditions.
P
Priya S
Love his grounded perspective. "I wouldn't have come into the series thinking that I will have a series that I have" – shows he just focused on the process. A great lesson for young cricketers everywhere, including in India. Well played, Travis!
K
Karthik V
Respectful criticism for England's think tank: Why couldn't they find a plan for him? He's been brutal throughout the series. Bazball is fun, but you need bowlers who can execute plans against in-form batsmen. Australia's team balance and flexibility (like promoting Head) is why they're on top.
M
Meera T
His 600 runs have been the difference between 3-1 and a much closer series. That's the Player of the Series right there. So crucial. Hope he keeps this form for the India tour later this year! Will be a great contest.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50