Without David Warner aroundto 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.
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“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.
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“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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