Former Test quick Jason Gillespie says criticism of left-hander Travis Head is premature and harsh
Under fire Test batsman Travis Head has found an ally in fellow South Aussie Jason Gillespie, who says the left-hander has been unfairly targeted - and that the stats prove it.
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Jason Gillespie has bounced premature criticism of Travis Head, noting the Australian left-hander has legends including Sachin Tendulkar covered after 15 Tests while offering serious upside.
Test cricket’s highest run scorers Sachin Tendulkar (39.8), Ricky Ponting (40.7) and Jacques Kallis (26.4) all averaged less than Head’s 40.8 after 15 matches.
The 25-year-old is facing unwarranted heat for converting one of eight half-centuries into a ton and aggressive modes of dismissal, says 71-Test speedster Gillespie.
“(I’m) very surprised, Trav is a fine player,” said Gillespie of vice-captain Head.
“I saw a stat the other day that after 15 Tests he has a higher average than some of the greats of the game.
“I don’t think he is doing too much wrong, Trav.
“I spoke to him and he mentioned ideally he would have liked to kick on from that 50 in his first innings in Perth.
“He is a very good player, a bit surprised at the criticism because he has done so well in a short space of time.”
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Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, his 2005 Ashes nemesis Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh have faulted game awareness and shot selection which saw the Head caught in the covers off New Zealand’s Tim Southee in Perth for 56.
Ponting had two tons and five half centuries after 15 Tests, while Steve Waugh managed five half centuries without reaching triple figures over the same period.
Head has one ton and seven half-centuries in a favourable comparison from the same number of matches.
“You have got me stumped,” said Gillespie when asked about ongoing speculation over Head’s Test spot.
“Maybe he got out a few times and hit one to cover and it is something to talk about.
“People in the media are paid to have an opinion and put their thoughts out there and that’s just it.”
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Ponting’s 13,378 Test runs and 41 tons remains the pinnacle for Australians behind Sir Don Bradman’s 99.94 average over 52 Tests.
Gillespie wants Head to dream big and back his natural game amid intense scrutiny leading into the Boxing Day Test.
“Give this guy the opportunity to play and he will learn, develop and improve and could be one of our great players in the future,” said Strikers coach Gillespie.
“I am really looking forward to seeing him bat at No. 6 initially and in time I think he gets more confidence, has some success and gradually moves up the order.”
Head was dropped for allrounder Mitch Marsh in the final Ashes Test at The Oval, which England won to deny the visitors a first series victory in England since 2001.
Gillespie doesn’t expect Australia to axe Head or use a five-man attack featuring James Pattinson and Peter Siddle.
Head and Marnus Labuschagne are part of the solution for easing the workload on star pacemen Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc says Gillespie.
“I can’t imagine they will move away from that four bowler tactic,” said Gillespie.
“This Australian side has Trav who bowls underrated off-spin, Marnus Labuschagne who bowls his leg-spin, Matty Wade bowls some medium fast overs.
“Unless there are a couple of injuries it is probably hard to see Sidds there, but he knows the ground (and) is a very experienced player.”