Former Australia captain Michael Clarke backed Travis Head to perform in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 despite losing his wicket for a duck in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final which was held last week.
Head represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2024 and amassed 567 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 191.55. All eyes were on him but the left-handed batter couldn’t perform in the playoffs and was removed on a duck in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Head, who scored 137 runs in the 50-over World Cup 2023 final, made a reputation for stepping up in big matches but his failure in the crucial stage of IPL raised concerns. However, Clarke is completely unbothered as he knows the way Head plays and his game involves high risk, which would be required in the T20 World Cup.
"I think it's the way he plays. Travis Head has certainly made a conscious effort to be more aggressive, even in Test cricket. So I think when you play like that, you're always going to take more risks and in this format, T20, he is opening the batting, he knows how important the first 6 overs are," Clarke told ESPN Cricinfo.
"You know, it is maximum risk, maximum reward. I wouldn't be too concerned about him not making as many runs as we would like... I would rather see him get a duck than a 20-ball 10. When you are batting in that position, get him or get out.”
Australia's squad for World Cup
Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner and Adam Zampa.
Travelling Reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short.
Australia's schedule of matches
June 6: v Oman, Kensington Oval @ Barbados
June 8: v England, Kensington Oval @ Barbados
June 12: v Namibia, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium @Antigua
June 16: v Scotland, Daren Sammy Stadium @ St Lucia
- Travis Head
