Travis Head Released from T20I Squad for Ashes Preparation
Travis Head has been released from Australia's T20 International squad for the final two matches against India to play Sheffield Shield for South Australia. This move is part of his red-ball preparation ahead of the Ashes series starting on November 21 in Perth.
Details of the Release
Head participated in the first three T20Is of the five-match series but was given the choice to continue in white-ball cricket or return to domestic red-ball matches. He chose to focus on red-ball cricket, joining senior teammates returning to Sheffield Shield action this week.
Other Players Returning to Sheffield Shield
- Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood will play for New South Wales starting Monday.
- Cameron Green is expected to bowl for Western Australia against Queensland at the WACA Ground.
Focus on Test Preparation
This shift highlights Australia's priority on Test cricket readiness with the Ashes less than three weeks away. Head will play alongside Alex Carey for South Australia against Tasmania from November 10.
"It marks his first first-class match since the West Indies tour in July and provides an opportunity to regain form after a quiet white-ball spell."
Author's summary: Travis Head returns to Sheffield Shield to sharpen his red-ball skills ahead of the Ashes, joining senior players focused on Test preparations less than three weeks before the series begins.