Travis Head and Chadd Sayers have everything to gain from pre-season pain ahead of Ashes

South Australia’s hardcore pre-season is helping Travis Head and Chadd Sayers prepare for English mission.

Redbacks Brad Davis (left), Chadd Sayers and skipper Travis Head lead with 2km time trial at Uni loop. Picture: TAIT SCHMAAL.

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Travis Head and Chadd Sayers were men on a mission as South Australia reported for pre-season training at Adelaide University loop on Monday.

Winter 2km time trials are never fun but Australian batsman Head is preparing for a prime Ashes role while English County side Gloucestershire is targeting Sayers to replace injured Redbacks teammate Daniel Worrall.

Travis Head in the 2km time trial for the Redbacks. Picture: TAIT SCHMAAL

Relishing his first start to a pre-season in two years free of knee concerns, Sayers finished third in the run at Uni loop behind speedster David Grant and batsman Brad Davis.

“My body is feeling really good, no surgeries or niggles. It has been a good three months to get my body fresh again and see what the season holds,” said Sayers, limited to 10 Sheffield Shield games by knee and hamstring injuries over the past two summers.

“Last season wasn’t what I would have liked with injuries. I am ticking off the boxes in the gym and making sure I am fit and strong.”

Swing-king Sayers, with 265 first-class wickets at 24.9, would catapult into Ashes calculations with compelling County results if a deal is inked replacing Worrall at Gloucestershire.

SA captain Head will complete a gruelling, four-day team camp starting Tuesday on the Fleurieu Peninsula — which includes hiking and triathlons — before leaving for England. Left-hander Head, averaging 51 after eight Tests, will lead Australia A in five one-day matches against County teams starting June 20. Head will be Test skipper Tim Paine’s deputy in three, four-day matches leading into the Ashes series opener starting August 1 in Birmingham.

“He has shown a lot of class and ability to play at Test level,” said Sayers of Head.

“He will perform under pressure.”