Australia opener Travis Head has been released from the white ball squads against West Indies. Cricket Australia confirmed the development via an official release on Saturday, 3 February.
The news comes amidst concerns about Head’s form in international cricket. The batter recently bagged a King Pair – two golden ducks in two innings in a Test match. And then in the 1st ODI match of the series against the Windies, Head logged just 4 runs before getting out.
Since the ODI World Cup 2023 Final, Head has scored one century – against West Indies – in the first Test match vs West Indies. Head has played 9 matches since the World Cup Final, and has not been able to have the desired impact in the Australian line-up.
Head won’t play in the final two ODIs and the three T20Is that follow and will return home to Adelaide for a break ahead of Australia’s tour of New Zealand.
Australia did not announce any replacements for Head in the squad and young domestic sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk is expected to make a debut in the series. McGurk, only 21 at the moment has garnered a reputation for playing rapid innings, which could come in handy for the Australian team.
Apart from Head’s exit, Australia made two more changes to their team. Josh Hazlewood was added to the squad for the second ODI against the West Indies at the SCG.
Australia also confirmed paceman Xavier Bartlett will be rested from the second match following an outstanding international debut.