‘Not all about me’: Cult hero Head resets after slim returns

Travis Head admits he was taken aback by the scale of adulation for his World Cup exploits, and has vowed to return to his attacking best in Adelaide after the slimmest home Test series of his career.

A hero of Australia’s Cup campaign and a cult figure for his prominent role in the celebrations afterwards, Head walked to the wicket in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney to receptions he was only used to getting in home town Adelaide.

Travis Head takes a drinks break at training on Tuesday while he prepares for a Test match at his home ground, the Adelaide Oval.Credit: Getty

Those welcome cheers were swiftly followed by groans: Head cobbled just 81 runs in five innings against Pakistan, ending a hugely productive three-year run of scoring.

At the end of the series, still battling the after-effects of a rapid rehabilitation from a broken hand to take part in the World Cup, Head chose to rest rather than join the likes of Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith and Alex Carey in the Big Bash League.

He spent extra time at home with his wife Jess and daughter Milla, while also working to return to the technical fundamentals and clear mindset that allowed him to dominate India in Ahmedabad a couple of months before.

“Walking out to the middle, there’s been more expectation,” Head said. “I got a bit of a cheer in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. That is one thing; the expectation of going out and how I’ve then tried to play the game. It comes with a more entertaining style.

Travis Head entertains fans at last month’s MCG Test against Pakistan. Despite the adulation, his returns with the bat in that series were below par.Credit: Getty Images

“There’s been somewhat more expectation around that, so I’m trying to have a clear space and clear mind and not to get too giddy... I’ve always been used to it here, but it’s not something I love. I like to go about things my way. Yes, I love to have a laugh and a good time. In this group, I can be quite loud sometimes, but I also don’t like it being all about me.

“I got surprised in Perth when I went out to bat. But I’d much rather it be like that – it turns the other way pretty quickly if I start missing out. That’s why it’s important with the break to make sure I lock into trying to play well. Hopefully, that continues and hopefully I keep entertaining everyone.”

Without David Warner around to supercharge the start of Australia’s Test innings and conversations around the team dinner table, Head’s importance is raised further. He has done plenty of organising this week, revealing he missed the BBL game because the Adelaide Test is customarily so intense for him.

“Maybe I would’ve played if it wasn’t an Adelaide Test match, but being at home, there’s a lot more to organise and do and worry about when you’re home,” he said. “The only consideration was to give myself the best chance to play well in the next two Test matches.”

Cameron Green has observed that he will be able to set the tempo a bit more at number four, rather than trying to keep up with Head’s tendency to fly out of the blocks.

“Wait until I get out there with him. I’ll go out there with a little cow prod and give him a little electrocution shock!” Head joked. “I think four will suit him, naturally the tempo does raise a bit with myself and Mitch batting. Kez (Alex Carey) is a little bit the same. A lot of five, six, seven batters around the world are trying to move the game along when the opportunity arises.

“With Marnus, Smudge and Greeny, I’ve always felt real comfortable behind them, and our partnerships reflect that. The way they’re so set at the crease can let me flow a bit better. Not that I always have the strike, but when there’s partnerships and not wickets falling around, you can be your expressive self, knowing the guy at the other end is in the partnership.

“Filthy: Travis Head throws his head back.”Credit: “AP”

The other change for Head in recent months has been his elevation to the Test vice-captaincy, a role shared with Steve Smith. But as the younger man, it is clear that Head is being looked upon as the successor to Pat Cummins. Named captain of South Australia at 21, Head has plenty of experience balancing team duties with his celebratory, larrikin side.

“What it has given me is perspective that it is a tough gig; the background stuff, the work you do around the group, setting the environment and stuff like that,” Head said.

“I’ve probably gone back to being the guy in the group who can lift energy and have a laugh and take the piss a bit, but also contribute, work hard and play well.

“It was probably the hardest thing to balance; trying to be both 21 and making mistakes, but also trying to lead from the front. It probably shaped me to give me a bit more responsibility. But that’s all I’ve really known. I feel like it has done me a bit of good, and hopefully I’ve impacted some others.”

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