Colombo: The Ashes hero was not considered for the first two one-day internationals against Sri Lanka, starting June 14, after Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said charismatic batsman Travid Head “will have to give his time”.
Ahead of the five-match ODI series, Mitchell Marsh joined the tourists’ long injury list, which also includes pacers Mitchell Starc (finger injury) and Sean Abbott (broken finger), to head off his chances in the first two ODIs. were imagining. Scored a century while playing for Australia A on Friday.
But reinforcements came in the form of Test captain Pat Cummins and all-rounder Cameron Green, while Marnus Labuschagne are other extras from outside the T20 squad.
McDonald defended his decision not to consider Head for the first two ODIs despite his excellent form in the 50-over format. Head will continue to play in Australia A’s first-class four-day match in Hambantota from Tuesday.
“He (the chief) just has to spend his time at this point in time,” McDonald’s was quoted as saying by news.com.au.
“We see this as an opportunity to get some really good match opportunities within that ‘A’ game building in the Test series. Equally important, his introduction to the conditions in the subcontinent. That’s been the message, that’s been the message.” The guys are on deck here, we’d rather see them play than run a drink,” McDonald said.
The report added that David Warner and Steve Smith will return to the squad for their first ODIs since 2020, while Head may return later in the series.
“We are not saying that he will not play any role in the ODI series. He got a chance in Pakistan and took it with some brilliant ball strikes which were seen by all. Davey (Warner) comes back in that spot, obviously Steve Smith comes back too, so there are two big inclusions.
“(Head) is working hard for the selection,” McDonald said.
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