According to a report by cricket.com.au, Travis Head, the Australian vice captain in Tests, focuses on his game and performance without taking the speculation about no. 6 spot too seriously.
The report mentions that Head was unfazed by the by the speculation surrounding his spot in Australia’s Test team last summer, saying it’s to be expected for a No.6 batter in a side that doesn’t have an all-rounder.
Notably, Cricket Australia had floated the prospect of dropping Head before the boxing-day test against New Zealand at the MCG and picking a fifth bowler in the team to bolster the bowling on lifeless pitch.
However, he not only played the test match but also scored his second test century. Head, who averages almost 42 from 17 Tests since his debut in late 2018, feels speculation is simply part of being a middle-order batsman in the Test XI.
“I knew that pressure was going to be on me, being the No.6 batter,” the left handed batsman was quoted by the official website for Cricket Australia.
“For me it’s about going out and performing as much as I can and try to prove that I’m good enough to be in that team and continue to get picked.”
Coach backs Head in the middle order
Recently Australian coach Justice Langer had supported both him and Matthew Wade to retain their spots in the Australian middle order.
“(Head) has had a great start to his career (and) is playing well, Matthew Wade the same,” Langer told News Corp in March.
The support came amidst prospects of replacing the left handed batsmen with highly-rated all-rounder Cameron Green or welcoming back Marsh now that he has returned to full fitness.