Travis Head, Australia’s in-form batter, credits a significant mindset shift during his stint with Sussex for the resurgence in his Test career. Head has been instrumental in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, already amassing two centuries in Adelaide and Brisbane, showcasing his adaptability and skill on challenging pitches.
However, this resurgence wasn’t always on the cards. Head endured a tough phase early in his career, including being dropped from the Australian squad ahead of the Sydney Test during the BGT 2020/21, after his dismal performance in th Boxing Day Test. Head subsequently lost his national contract. Reflecting on his journey, Head identified his time with Sussex on England’s county circuit as a turning point. Playing in different conditions allowed him to refine his approach, leading to a better understanding of his strengths and limitations.
“I lost my (national) contract, and then I went to Sussex and stunk it up there as well…I tried to keep batting the way I was batting and it wasn’t working,” Head said.
“Then in one of my last games at Sussex I got 49 off 46 in the second innings and I thought, ‘F**k this, I am just going to slog…And I did well, so I thought, ‘Why don’t I just do that?’,” he added.
Since his return to the Australian side, Head has been a consistent performer, rewriting his narrative as one of the team’s most dependable batters. In 33 Tests since his comeback, he has averaged 46.71 and recorded nine centuries. Furthermore, he has been named Player of the Match eight times during this period, underlining his impact on Australia’s success.
In the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Head’s contributions have been outstanding. After three Tests, he has compiled 409 runs at an impressive average of 81.80, including consecutive centuries that turned the tide for Australia in Adelaide and Brisbane. His ability to balance aggression with composure has made him a key figure in Australia’s batting lineup.
