Travis Head’s future uncertain after Justin Langer poses five bowlers for Boxing Day
Travis Head’s Test career is under threat, but one telling statistic highlights why Justin Langer should persist with the batsman.
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Despite amassing Australia’s second-highest score at Perth last week, Travis Head’s future in the Test team is under threat after Justin Langer’s shock revelation on Sunday.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Australian coach Langer suggested a radical change to the Test team’s formation.
“If the wicket is like it has been the last few years, we might even be able to play four quicks and a spinner,” Langer told Channel 7.
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If five bowlers are selected for Boxing Day, Head would most almost certainly be the batsman to miss out.
Controversially dropped during the Ashes for Mitch Marsh, Head has shown promise with the bat this summer, but his inability to convert starts into centuries has spurred critics.
The South Australian played well in the first innings at Perth, reaching a classy half-century on day two. However, Head wildly flashed at a full delivery from Tim Southee, falling into the trap with two cover fielders in waiting.
It was a reckless shot that highlighted Head’s major flaw with the bat — impatience.
Cricket legend Ricky Ponting was not impressed with the 25-year-old, accusing Head of not concentrating at the crease.
“He’s got to eliminate these mistakes. (New Zealand have) got a very straight field set. They’ve actually set him up for that,” Ponting said on Channel 7’s coverage.
“That’s the exact dismissal that they’re looking at. (Head) can stand there and hit that as hard as he likes, he’s not going to get any runs for that actual shot. He’s not going to pierce that field.
“He’s just got to think it through that little bit more.”
Fox Cricket commentator Michael Vaughan lamented Head’s missed opportunity to cement himself in the Australian side.
“An opportunity missed for Head to really establish himself in the Test team. 56 gets you a couple more games maybe, but you get that big three figures, it gives you a long run in the team,” Vaughan said.
Ponting delivering some home truths about Travis Head throwing too many innings away #AusvNZ
— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) December 13, 2019
Travis Head actually comes in at THE worst times... gotta feel for him. Gets himself out sometimes but hasn't exactly had it easy this summer yet #AUSvNZ
— Simon Brunsdon (@SimonBrunsdon) December 14, 2019
83 - Travis Head (@CricketAus) has hit the most 4s (83) of any middle order (5-6) batsman in men's Tests in 2019, his average there (49.6) is the highest of any batsman this year (min. 12 innings) in those positions. Forging. #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/SLRHbZEVya
— OptaJason (@OptaJason) December 13, 2019
Head has played 15 Test matches for Australia, scoring 939 runs at a commendable average of 40.82.
When you compare these figures to past cricket legends at the same point in their career, it reveals precisely why Langer should persist with the South Australian left-hander.
BATTING AVERAGE AFTER 15 TEST MATCHES
Travis Head — 40.82 (939 runs)
Ricky Ponting — 40.78 (938 runs)
Michael Clarke — 40.31 (887 runs)
Justin Langer — 37.16 (892 runs)
Steve Smith — 35.22 (951 runs)
Mark Waugh — 34.65 (797 runs)
Matthew Hayden — 33.88 (847 runs)
Steve Waugh — 29.68 (564 runs)
A large portion of Australia’s most celebrated modern batsmen struggled to register mammoth totals early in their international careers — in fact, Head has enjoyed a more prosperous start than former Australian captains Steve Waugh, Michael Clarke and Ponting.
Even the elegant Steve Smith — the best since Bradman — had a lower batting average than Head after 15 Tests.
In comparison, current teammates Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh averaged 30.66 and 23.00 respectively after 15 Tests.
During his Test debut against Pakistan in October 2018, Head demonstrated his latent potential, registering a patient 72 on a difficult wicket to help Australia muster a famous draw in Dubai.
Australia was on the verge of defeat at Lord’s in the 2019 Ashes, until Head combined with concussion substitute Marnus Labuschagne in the fourth innings to save the Test match, and eventually, the series.
The 26-year-old has also been touted as a future Test leader, and for good reason — in 2015, Head was unveiled as South Australia’s youngest ever Sheffield Shield captain.
Former star paceman Ryan Harris argued Head and Wade should retain their spots while Australia is comfortably winning matches.
“He looks like he’s hitting the ball really well, he’s just getting himself out,” Harris said to SEN 1116.
“I hope they don’t (drop Head) … the team’s going well; it’s settled.
“(Head and Wade) are not desperately out of form. I’d like to see a settled team. I would like to see them stick with them for a little longer and give them a bit of trust and let them try and find their way while they’re winning and the confidence is high.”
Five bowlers at the MCG is a tempting proposition — James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser and Pat Cummins have each shown they know how to wield a cricket bat, so the Australian tail would still bat deep.
However, Head could follow in the footsteps of former Australian greats and flourish as a Test batsman overtime. Hopefully Langer doesn’t impede on Head’s development due to fear of a flat pitch.
Originally published as Travis Head’s future uncertain after Justin Langer poses five bowlers for Boxing Day