Redbacks skipper Travis Head knows he is in a battle to hold his place in the Australian Test side
SOUTH Australian batsman Travis Head has returned to Adelaide Oval to prepare for the domestic summer of cricket and is embracing the challenge of fighting for his place in the Test team.
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AUSTRALIAN batsman Travis Head is embracing a first-class showdown for Test spots that could prove the making of Justin Langer’s men against India.
Only Head, Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch average 30 or more in the 1-0 series loss to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Linchpin Khawaja’s knee injury has Australian boss Langer declaring a selection free for all entering the Adelaide Test against India starting December 6.
“A strong Australian team needs a strong bunch of guys fighting for a spot, I know there are guys hunting for my spot and want to stay in there as much as I can,” said South Australian skipper Head, who confronts Queenslander and fellow Dubai debutant Marnus Labuschagne in Adelaide starting Thursday.
“It makes for an exciting few rounds of Shield cricket, if guys get runs they find themselves in the team and hopefully that means the Australian team is winning games in Australia.”
“I feel like I can contribute and help win games of cricket for Australia. It is now the opportunity to go out and prove that I am in good form and get runs.
“As JL said, runs are the currency. It is six weeks until the first Test, we have a one-day series that is very important, there are T20 and Shield cricket and a lot of opportunities to make that first Test.”
Missing selection for Australia’s Twenty20 series against Pakistan in the UAE looms as a blessing in disguise for Head.
Left-hander Head will gain priceless red ball exposure against the Bulls before the ensuing one-day series against South Africa and first Test in Adelaide.
“It is nice to continue to work on red ball, I think I can get better,” said Head, whose 137-run stand with Khawaja saved Australia from defeat in Dubai.
“If I am going to be in that first Test I will get a good opportunity to play Shield cricket this week, can dominate the competition, get as many runs as I can.
“Hopefully what I have done in the past few months can hold me in good stead.”
Head is expected to retain his spot for a home Test against India after a pivotal 72 in 175 balls at Dubai and second innings 36 at Abu Dhabi.
However incumbent No. 3 Shaun Marsh, brother Mitch Marsh, rookie batsman Marnus Labuschagne, spinner Jon Holland and paceman Peter Siddle face a fight for retention.
Batting trio Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell and Callum Ferguson are eyeing recalls while revelation Will Pucovski struck 243 against Western Australia at the WACA last week.
“They are world class players, be disappointed they missed out,” said Head with Shaun and Mitch Marsh averaging 3.5 and 7.5 in the Test series loss to Pakistan.
“The boys in the sheds back them 100 per cent. Fingers crossed they go out this week and get runs.
“Everyone within the dressing-room knows how valuable Shaun is to the team. I think he is a gun, seriously good player.”