Adam Gilchrist backs Travis Head as David Warner’s future ODI opening partner

Travis Head made a headline act in Australia’s defeat to Sri Lanka in the third fixture of the five-match ODI series. The left-handed batter clubbed an unbeaten 70* off 65 balls and turbo-charged the Australian innings to 291-6.

Head’s knock against hosts Lanka continues his fine tune with the bat this year. Earlier, he had charted scores of 89 and 101 in two of the ODIs he played in Pakistan. Even in the tour games in Sri Lanka on this trip, the cricketer had made significant contributions with the bat.  

Former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist has even predicted a big future for Head, saying that the 28-year-old might land an openers role for Australia within the next 12 months.

As per the legend, Australia’s white-ball skipper Aaron Finch might seek retirement after the 2023 World Cup in India, which will leave David Warner’s opening partner’s slot empty.

While speaking on the SEN WA Breakfast, Gilchrist said, “I think longer-term, down the track, probably in the next 12 months or so, Travis Head will find a spot at the top of the order. I think he’ll end up opening regularly in the one-day setup and I think that’s where he’ll be able to provide most impact with the team.”

“He can get off to a flying start, he can go at as good a clip as anyone but he’s also got a game where he can lay a foundation for the team”, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman added.

SL vs AUS 2022: Australia aim to balance series in 4th ODI

The visitors will take on the high-flying Sri Lankan unit in the fourth ODI at Colombo on June 21. The Dasun Shanaka-led side is enjoying a 2-1 lead in the series with back-to-back wins post a defeat in the opening match.

Earlier in the tour, Australia trounced the hosts 2-1 in the three T20Is. Two Test matches will follow the ongoing ODI series. The Test series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23, and it will mark the next chapter in Warne–Muralitharan Trophy.