Australia have been dealt with a big blow ahead of the ODI World Cup. Star opener Travis Head’s participation at next month’s World Cup is in doubt after he broke his hand during Friday’s one day international against South Africa.
Head had to retire hurt in his country’s 164-run defeat to South Africa at Centurion on Friday after being hit on the hand by Gerald Coetzee.
“It’s a confirmed fracture but as to the nature of the break and what sort of timeframe to heal, that will be assessed tomorrow,” said Australia coach Andrew McDonald.
The 29-year-old Head, who has been a spearhead at the top of the innings for Australia in one-dayers, would be sorely missed if he is to be ruled out of the World Cup, which starts in India on October 5.
“He’s going to go in for some more scans tomorrow… We have fingers crossed, clearly with the World Cup, fast approaching,” McDonald added.
Head has been Australia’s best all-format batter in the past one and a half years. The batter has dominated opposition in the home soil and was the main reason behind Australia’s first ever World Test Championship Final win against India earlier this year. Head was good in The Ashes 2023 as well and emerged as the third-highest run scorer for Australia, behind Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith.
The left-hander had been in tremendous form in the ongoing South Africa series having scored two aggressive half centuries already. In Head’s absence, Australia might call-up Cameron Green for the opener’s spot. The all-rounder had done well against India in that position and he is expected to fill the role well with his aggressive batting style.
