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.
AUS vs WI, 1st ODI: Match Report
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.
Australia vs West Indies, 1st ODI, Highlights
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.
A Cricket Australia statement said the decision was taken to manage the workload for the pacer who had missed the first half of the domestic season due to a back injury.
Australia ODI Squad
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood (second ODI only), Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson (third ODI only), Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Matt Short, Will Sutherland, Adam Zampa
West Indies ODI Squad
Shai Hope (c), Alzarri Joseph, Alick Athanaze, Teddy Bishop, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.
