After a stunning Ashes, Travis Head eyeing limited-overs comeback

The player-of-the-series in this summer's Ashes, Travis Head is now eyeing a return to the limited-overs Australia squad after securing his place in the Tests. Head, who was named in Australia's squad for three ODIs and one T20I followed by three Tests on the Qantas Tour of Pakistan next month, has not played in any limited-over match for Australia since 2018. But he believes he is ready to reclaim the spot as it is not just his red-ball game that has improved.

"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.” Head added, "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.”

Since Australia’s regular white-ball opener David Warner was not named for the limited-overs leg of the Pakistan tour, Head could be considered to partner Aaron Finch at the top of the batting order. However, he said, "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 added, "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.”

The 28-year-old has so far opened 12 times in 42 ODIs averaging 41 at a strike rate of 97.05. His highest ODI score of 128 interestingly came against Pakistan at Adelaide Oval in 2017. "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."

Australia's ODI and T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa