Australia news: Travis Head eyes white-ball resurgence after Ashes heroics

Australia batter Travis Head is eager to take any opportunity to force his way into the white-ball discussion with two World Cups on the horizon.

Head has been included in the white-ball squad for the tour of Pakistan, staying on after the three-match Test series where he could be a key batter.

His most likely opportunities will come either as an opener or at number three but the South Australia stalwart will take what he can get.

“At the moment, I’m probably just trying to take whatever opportunity arises but if that (opening) spot’s available, I’ve played well there and I’ve done it in the past,” Head said as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“Anywhere in that top order, going on my past couple of years in domestic cricket batting at three for South Australia but knowing I can open the batting as well, gives us good versatility around the order.

“I’d just love to be back in the team and have another crack at it.

“It’s been a long time between games, and I feel like my one-day cricket has come a long way.

“I’ve worked extremely hard on Test cricket, but that in itself has made me a better player, and a more compact player and able to score around the ground.

“Playing international cricket, no matter what format it is, makes you a better player and I hope I can make an impact when the time comes.”

Head was disappointed not to get a run in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, but said he had faith in the selector’s plans.

“That wasn’t my call,” Head said.

“I want to play all three formats, but I think at the end of the day I did get the best prep.

“I was obviously disappointed not to play one of those games when I did come back into the squad, but to get time at home, to play the Shield game and then get back in the one-day team, I’m extremely keen to get back into that team or in those squads.

“But also I want to best prepare myself for Test cricket, so to have that balancing act over the last month was good.”

Australia will play three Tests, three ODIs and a T20I in Pakistan in March and April.