Why Darren Lehmann says Travis Head is in for biggest year of his life across all formats
Darren Lehmann believes South Australian Travis Head can be a master in all formats of the game for Australia now the left-hander has been given his chance at the Test level.
FORMER Australian coach Darren Lehmann believes the next year will make Travis Head, as the left-hander becomes a rare multi-format star leading into 2019’s ICC World Cup.
Head, 24, is making his Test debut against Pakistan in Dubai while blue-chip contests against India, then the Ashes loom before the 50-over showpiece in England.
Head is expected to be given two Tests against Pakistan and the one-day series against South Africa to impress entering what would be a debut Test on Australian soil in Adelaide during December against Virat Kohli’s India.
“The advantage is opportunity and the Australian side is trying to work out their best batting line-up across all formats,” Lehmann told The Advertiser at last night’s Fox Cricket Launch in Sydney..
“Spots are up pretty much open, up for grabs so it is a great opportunity for young players and someone like Travis Head to play all three formats. The more runs he makes and more consistent he is the better international player he will be.”
Head, notes Lehmann, made a statement of intent and maturity, revamping his forward defence this winter and pursuing judicious shot selection. Head’s power-hitting has always been the South Australian skipper’s signature but can unravel the 24-year-old against the red ball.
“His game is a lot more rounded. He’s a lot calmer at the crease, not so gung ho and knows when he can go and when he can’t. He just knows what he is doing,” said Lehmann, of Head who enjoys a Sheffield Shield batting average of 41 since appointed Redbacks captain in 2015.
Lehmann predicts Head could play between 50-100 Tests if the left-hander fulfills his potential and ignites during the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner.
“He can, it is a case of do well and perform well, doing enough to stay in the side, growing as a player and contributing to wins. That is going to be key,” said Lehmann.
Head has already proven a conspicuous constant in Australia’s one-day World Cup strategy averaging 40 over 29 games during the past two years. Opener Aaron Finch averages 42 in 21 matches over the same period.
“He has just progressed nicely, keeps delivering at the next level, the higher he goes the performances have been very good,” said Lehmann, who hit the winning runs for Australia at the 1999 World Cup in England.
“Justin Langer has said runs will be the commodity. That hasn’t changed.”