2017 ICC Champions Trophy: If I Miss Out With My Bat, I Can Do It With The Ball – Travis Head

Featuring in a record opening stand of 284 would usually cement a player’s spot at the top of the order, but Travis Head says he’ll just be happy to get a game for Australia in the upcoming Champions Trophy in England.

The classy left-hander and fellow opener David Warner slay Pakistan’s bowlers in an Australia Day runs bonanza on his home ground at the Adelaide Oval, as the hosts cruised to a 57-run win back then.

However, he found himself shunted back down the order in the three-match series against New Zealand in February which the Black Caps prevailed 2-0.

A century, two-50s and three wickets with his handy off breaks convinced the Australia selectors to name the 23-year-old in the 16-man squad for the Champions Trophy.

Head averages 37.20 with the bat and with 11 wickets from his 22 appearances since making his debut in June last year demonstrates he has the ability to play at the highest level.

“I’ve been pretty consistent since I started and that is all you can ask for,” he said.”I wanted to get that big score out of the way. If I can keep doing that and playing good cricket then I will keep my place in the team.”

“I’m hopeful, I finished well at the end of the Australian summer … this is my first time at a big tournament and I am looking forward to it,” he told reporters in London on Tuesday (May 23). “I feel my game is suited to batting anywhere from one to six. It’s just a case of getting the opportunity and doing my best to stay in the team.”

Head said he had developed confidence after a successful Australian summer. 

“I’ve been pretty consistent since I started and that is all you can ask for,” he said. “I wanted to get that big score out of the way. If I can keep doing that and playing good cricket then I will keep my place in the team.”

 

Head, who has taken 11 wickets in his ODI career, said improved off-spin bowling furthered his candidacy. 

“I’ve been working hard on it over the last few seasons,” he said. “In case I miss out with the bat I can still give something to the team with the ball or in the field.”

 

“So if it’s needed throughout the tournament … I’m not going to be out there to win games of cricket with my bowling, but if I can do a job for the team and get them to that position, then that’s fantastic,” he added.