South Australian Travis Head is ready for Test debut against Pakistan in Dubai.
SOUTH Australian batsman Travis Head will make his much-awaited Test debut for Australia against Pakistan in Dubai this weekend.
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TRAVIS Head says he is honoured to join South Australia’s southpaw Test cricket alumni – from Darren Lehmann to Phillip Hughes – in his Test debut against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.
Head coach Justin Langer has confirmed batsmen Aaron Finch and Head will become Australia’s 453rd and 454th Test cricketers in the series opener.
He’ll be supported by a close entourage in Dubai.
“There will be Mum, Dad, girlfriend, brother, sister, uncles, cousins and my manager. It is an unbelievable time to be around when guys are making their debuts. To have the family over there is even better,” Head said.
Head, 24, will summon the good vibes of his maiden, one-day ton (128) blasted against Pakistan on Australia Day last year when he dons the baggy green.
“I have played against them a bit, they are definitely exciting, No.1 in the world in one-day cricket. There are faces we have seen before,” said Head who must conquer gun leg-spinner Yasir Shah in the Middle East.
Head dedicated his century against Pakistan to fallen teammate Hughes, noting “every time I go out to bat I think of the little man like others who have been close with him”.
Hughes died in 2014 after he was struck in the side of the head by a bouncer.
Chadd Sayers was the last Croweater to represent Australia at Test level, against South Africa two years ago.
“It is an elite group to play for Australia who you hold in the highest regard,” Head told The Advertiser.
Head feels cherry ripe for his Test entrance after an unbeaten 90 in the tour match against Pakistan A and an impressive warm-up tour of India with Australia A last month. The absence of banned trio Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft means Head could cement a Test spot with success in the United Arab Emirates.
“My last three seasons have been my best, have tried to lead from the front. I am calm in my process.”