SL vs AUS 2022 | Travis Head’s realistic outlook towards featuring in the playing XI

Australia's top-order batter Travis Head is unsure of his selection in the playing XI for the upcoming five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. The ODI series between Australia and Sri Lanka will get underway on June 14 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Though Head forms a part of Australia's ODI squad, the chances of him making it to the final XI look bleak. The major reason behind the same is the availability of Australia's dynamic opening duo of Aaron Finch and David Warner. 

Head last donned the yellow jersey in March for the three-match ODI series against Pakistan. In the absence of Warner, the batter opened the innings alongside skipper Finch. The southpaw grabbed the opportunity provided to him by both hands as he emerged as the second-highest run-scorer for Australia in the series.

The 28-year-old also has spectacular numbers to his name as an opener in the 50-over format. In his last 15 innings as an opening batter, the Adelaide-based cricketer has scored a whopping 683 runs at an average of 45.5 and a strike rate of 105. He has also smacked two centuries and five fifties. 

Despite the stellar record, the South Australian has kept a realistic approach regarding his selection. Also, the top-order batter has been named in Australia 'A' squad that will feature in some first-class games in the island nation. 

"It means I probably won't start (in the ODI series). I'm realistic in that Davey (Warner) and Finchy are back together at the top of the order, and then you've got a middle-order that's so set in that side it's a hard one to get into," Head told cricket.com.au.

"I think the plan is to see the lay of the land for the first couple of ODIs and, if the opportunity isn't quite there and a spot doesn't open up, then there's a chance for me to play in the second Australia A (four-day) game and turn my focus to the Test series," he added. 

"I'm probably the unfortunate one at the moment who's just out of that ODI starting XI, but it's great to be back in the squad and I hope I've been able to force the selectors hand a bit over the last 18 months or so with domestic form and then in Pakistan. I'll try to keep banging the door down, and that's all you can really do," Head concluded. 

He further revealed that he is hoping to get some opportunities in the coming months. Australian cricket team has a packed schedule as they are scheduled to play the ODI series against England, South Africa, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe. The batter hopes to get some good opportunities to get a place in the squad for the World Cup, scheduled in India next year.