Former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist is happy with Travis Head’s batting performance in the third one-day international against Sri Lanka in Colombo, saying he can see the cricketer develop into a long-term opener in the shorter version of the game .
Head was flown from Hambantota, where he was touring for Australia A, to Kandy as a cover for the injured Marcus Stoinis. The 28-year-old charismatic, who was the Player of the Series during the Ashes, made an instant impact with an unbeaten 70 off 65 balls as Australia were bundled out for 291/6 in the third ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Sunday night.
Australia lost by six wickets even after Pathum Nissenka scored a century and Kusal Mendis scored 87. Australia trail the five-match series 1-2.
But Gilchrist felt that Head was rapidly developing into a great opener. Head has played all three formats in 2022 after enjoying an illustrious 12 months in the national colors to be counted among the best batsmen in the world.
Following his ‘Player of the Series’ performance in the Ashes at home, where he scored two centuries, Head broke a ton in the ODI series in Pakistan this March and added two more half-centuries to his tally in 50-over cricket.
With opener David Warner making a comeback into the team after being ruled out of the Pakistan series, Head had to move back into the middle-order slot against Sri Lanka.
“I think in the long run, down the track, probably in the next 12 months, Travis Head will find a place at the top of the order,” Gilchrist told Sen. WA Breakfast on Monday.
“I think he will open regularly in the one-day setup and I think he will be able to provide the most impact with the team. He can get off to a good start, he can go at a good clip like anyone but he also has a game where he can lay the foundation for the team.
Captain Aaron Finch’s top spot after consistently poor performances is an opportunity for Head to claim the slot, and with T20 World Cup in Australia this year and in the 50-over World Cup India In 2023, Gilchrist looks to head partnership with Warner at the top.
“(Aaron) Finch will get through this T20 World Cup, I think Aaron wants to go into the next 50-over World Cup which I think is in the subcontinent next year, but it’s so long after that. No, if Finch goes so far, he will retire.
“So I definitely see Travis Head in the top order down the track.”
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