Australian batsman Travis Head has expressed his emotions ahead of making Test debut against Pakistan on October 7 in Dubai, saying wearing the Baggy Green for the first time will be the realization of a “boyhood dream”, as well as, calling it as an “achievement”.
The 24-year old, who got the nod after having a couple of good outings with Australia A in India and brilliant domestic show for the UAE tour, scored an unbeaten 90 in the four-day practice match in Dubai, saying he is in really good condition and ready to play his maiden Test here.
As per reports in News18, Head told reporters on Friday (October 5), “It's a boyhood dream to play (Test cricket) for Australia. We've had a couple of guys do it in the last couple of years. They've only had limited opportunities but it's still (an achievement). It's an amazing time to be around and an amazing experience. To join that group is nice. Fingers crossed it happens.”
He further added, “We've got a couple of days to go, I guess. I feel in really good condition at the minute. I’m playing really well. I feel fit and ready to go. Really nice in the tour game to be able to contribute to the score. It's nice to have the confidence from the coach and the selectors.”
The middle-order batsman doesn’t want to think much about Test debut, saying he just want to enjoy every moment and continue to do the stuff coming on his way.
Head added, “Once that team's picked, I'm just making sure I'm really relaxed and calm and continue to do the stuff I've been doing really well over the last couple of months. I feel like I'm batting really well, I feel like I bowling really well, and can contribute to Australia. It's a weird feeling knowing that I'm really ready to go and I'm trying not to think about it too much.”
Meanwhile, the left-hander, who has already played 39 One-Day Internationals and 16 T20 Internationals for Australia so far, wants to bat with the same approach in the Red-ball game.
He further went on to explain, “I think, for me, I don't really have much difference between white and red ball. The shift for me is just being able to do it for longer periods of time. I naturally haven’t changed the way I play between all formats, I've been quite aggressive and quite positive. The shift is being a little older and realizing if I spend time out in the middle and bat for longer periods of time, I'll be able to score runs. That's been the major shift and the forward defense.”
Head signed off by saying, “It’s been really consistent in my game and it’s meant I’ve been able to spend time out in the middle. Continuing to work on my game against spin. I have had the opportunity in India a few times. It’s starting to spin a bit and I’m just working really had. It’s nice to find that consistency in my game. I can continue to get better.”
(Inputs: Cricketnext Staff)
