Australia v Pakistan Tests: Travis Head relishing chance to return to Aussie set-up after Ashes setback

After missing a chance to consolidate an Aussie Test middle-order spot on the tour of England, Travis Head is back for the first Test at the Gabba and determined ‘to make the most of it’ this time.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 13: Travis Head of Australia looks on before taking to the field during day three of the International Tour match between Australia A and Pakistan at Optus Stadium on November 13, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

• Pakistan’s insane plan to counter bouncer barrage
• Crime gangs betting millions on WBBL

It’s the one question mark remaining over Australia’s Test XI for Thursday’s Gabba opening clash with Pakistan but just where Travis Head bats doesn’t concern him.

The South Australian is just happy to be in the fray after missing a chance to consolidate a middle-order spot on the tour of England.

Head, who will also reclaim the vice-captaincy, doesn’t know whether he or Matthew Wade will bat five or six respectively after being recalled alongside Joe Burns and Mitchell Starc for the Australian summer.

Stream international cricket Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS including every Australian Test, ODI and T20I on home soil. Get your 14-day free trial >

Travis Head hopes to make the most of his Aussie Test rebirth.

Asked for his preference, Head wasn’t being fussy.

“Play,” he said.

“I feel I can do a role for the team and, if I get the chance, I’ll make the most of it.”

Making the most of it is something he admits he hadn’t done in England.

Bright starts weren’t converted and he was left out of the final Test to accommodate all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.

Australia’s highest run-scorer since the sandpaper scandal in South Africa, Head averaged 42.7 across his first 12 Tests.

But just one hundred to go with six fifties contributed to the tap on the shoulder from selectors before the final Ashes Test.

Head struggled to make an impact in England.

A 25-ball Sheffield Shield duck against Queensland at the Gabba dinted his chances of a recall, but Head responded with a century against a quality NSW attack to keep himself afloat.

Will Pucovski’s withdrawal from Test consideration further had opened the door and, now back, Head says he’s learnt plenty from his England setback.

“I had opportunities, (batting) with Steve (Smith) in England and probably didn’t make the most of those,” he said.

“He’s a fantastic player to bat with. Hopefully, we do it again early in the series.

“Last year, I made some good strides in Australia (scoring a century in January in Canberra).

“It’s nice to be back in Australia; I’m hoping to do the same again and being ruthless around that and, when I get the start, get a big score.”