Travis Head will play no further part in the summer of cricket after Cricket Australia decided to release the middle-order batter from its white-ball squads.
Head has had a busy 2023/24 season, playing a significant part in the ODI World Cup victory but struggled in the Test summer despite scoring one century. He also tested positive for COVID-19 during the Test series against the West Indies.
The 30-year-old won’t be available for the final two ODIs against the West Indies and three T20s against the side with Josh Hazlewood replacing him in the squad.
READ MORE: The F1 legends who failed to fire with Ferrari
READ MORE: Socceroos heartbreak as ‘poor’ finishing kills hopes
READ MORE: Four bolters picked by Slater as Origin prep begins
Hazlewood was originally rested from the ODI series along with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
The release of Head is part of Australia’s preparation for its tour of New Zealand with the first Test against the Black Caps on February 29.
With no batter replacing Head in the squad, it’s now likely boom youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk will make his ODI debut at the SCG.
2023-24 Summer of Cricket in pictures: Kraigg Brathwaite delivers powerful ‘message’ for more Test cricket
Debutant Xavier Bartlett, who took 4-17 in the first ODI on Friday, has also been rested with Spencer Johnson also added to the squad as additional cover.
In a statement, CA said Bartlett’s resting was part of his “ongoing management”.
Bartlett dealt with a back injury during the first half of Australia’s domestic season.
Discussion about this post