Star Australian batter Travis Head has decided to skip the forthcoming white-ball series against Pakistan in order to spend time with his family before preparing for the much-awaited five-match Test series against India, which is scheduled to start in Perth on November 22. Head has chosen not to play in the ensuing T20 series against Pakistan and the three-match ODI series. Head and his wife Jess are expecting their second child.
According to Cricket.com.au, Head is taking "a rare clear break from cricket" to spend time with his family before concentrating on the India series; his preparation plan is still being determined. In light of his choice, Head said that he has been away from home for 330 of the previous 365 days and that his priorities are changing as his family grows.
"I'll probably make decisions in the future around family more, and what drives me to play is probably more my family and my teammates," Head said during the announcement of his one-year BBL contract extension with the Adelaide Strikers.
Head feels that taking a break before starting training again is the best course of action for him, even though a lively Sheffield Shield encounter against South Australia would have been the perfect preparation for the Perth series opener. Head revealed that he loves to take pauses from net sessions in order to remain mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. "I probably will not hit for the next little bit, I will probably just chill," Head stated.
In contrast to Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, who are renowned for their never-ending batting practice regimens, Head finds a balance that keeps him enthusiastic about the game. "If I bat every day, it will become boring, if that makes sense. I'm not built like Marnus or Smithy who can bat day-in and day-out. I want to be excited about batting, I want to be hungry for runs," Head explained.
The 29-year-old stressed the value of mental rest, saying that taking a break from nonstop batting frequently improves his performance. "Over the years, I've realized I've played better sometimes when I've had a little bit of a spell from batting. I'm someone who needs energy and excitement around the game," he added.
With an eye toward the India series, Head revealed his preparation plan, which calls for doing some light running and working out in the gym before stepping up his batting practice in the lead-up to the game. "As I get closer to whether it be a Shield game or going to Perth for prep, I'll start batting a bit more and working on things," Head said, expressing confidence in his unique preparation style.
