Australia’s top batter Travis Head will be missing the last two matches of the ongoing T20I series against India in order to focus on Ashes Preparation. Head is all set to now face Tasmania in Hobart next week and marking his first FC outing since touring the West Indies in July.
The batter did not leave much impact in white-ball cricket recently as his top score was 31 across 8 innings in T20Is and ODIs. Head is now expected to play a pivotal role in Australia’s Test squad where he will be batting a No.5. According to ESPNCricinfo, the decision to feature in the four-day Shield game was left on Head’s discretion.
Josh Hazlewood has already left the T20Is after the second match in Melbourne and Mitchell Starc are slated to play for New South Wales against Victoria, alongside Nathan Lyon. Sean Abbott, departing the T20I squad after the Hobart game, will also feature for NSW. Steven Smith will take the field for his second match, following his 118 against Queensland at the Gabba.
Leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha has also been released from the T20I squad to represent NSW in One-Day Cup match against Queensland.
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For India the five-match series also serves as a crucial preparation ground for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Even though the first match was washed out, in the second T20I Australia won the match to take 1-0 lead but India made a dashing comeback in the 3rd T20I and levelled the series. Now all eyes will be on 4th T20I where India will be looking forward to continue their winning momentum.
