Here's why Travis Head will miss white-ball series against Pakistan

Having spent 330 days away from home over the past year, the top order batter noted the impact this time away has had on his priorities

PHOTO: AFP

Australian cricket star Travis Head will miss the upcoming white-ball series against Pakistan as he chooses to spend quality time with his family ahead of the demanding five-Test series against India. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicks off on November 22 in Perth, and Head is expecting the birth of his second child with his wife, Jess.

Head has opted to take a break from the three-match ODI and T20 series against Pakistan, seizing the rare opportunity to recharge before the Test series. According to cricket.com.au, Head’s preparations for the India series are yet to be finalised.

Having spent 330 days away from home over the past year, the top order batter noted the impact this time away has had on his priorities.

“I'll probably make decisions in the future around family more, and what drives me to play is probably more my family and my teammates,” he stated while announcing his one-year BBL contract with the Adelaide Strikers.

While acknowledging that playing a Sheffield Shield match on a fast, bouncy pitch would be ideal preparation for Perth, Head plans to ease into his training. He admitted that while teammates like Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith enjoy long hours in the nets, his own approach to preparation is more measured. "I probably won’t hit for the next little bit; I’ll probably just chill,” he said.

The 29-year-old batsman also highlighted that he performs better after a break, explaining, “If I bat every day, it will become boring. I’ve played better sometimes when I’ve had a little bit of a spell from batting.” Over the next few weeks, Head plans to focus on fitness work, gradually resuming his batting practice as the India series draws closer.

It is worth noting that the Pakistani contingent is scheduled to depart for Melbourne on October 29. Upon arrival, the team will undergo training sessions at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 1 and 2, with an optional session on November 3.

The first ODI match between Pakistan and Australia is slated for November 4. The selection committee, comprising Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Asad Shafiq, and Hasan Cheema, is currently assessing potential players for the three ODIs and three T20 matches in Australia.

ODI series schedule: