Travis Head to skip final India T20Is and return to Sheffield Shield action ahead of Ashes preparation.
In a strategic shift towards Ashes preparation, Travis Head will depart the T20I series against India, foregoing the final two matches. He will instead feature for South Australia in the upcoming Sheffield Shield fixture against Tasmania.
This marks his return to first-class cricket for the first time since July. Head’s recent white-ball form has been subdued, with a highest score of just 31 across eight T20I and ODI innings following his commanding 142 against South Africa in August.
It’s understood that it was largely left for Head to decide whether he wanted a four-day game before facing England. His appearance for South Australia will add to a star-studded round of Sheffield Shield ahead of the first Test with most, if not all, of the squad – which will be named later this week – expected to appear.
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The New South Wales attack will feature Nathan Lyon alongside pacemen Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc against Victoria. Sean Abbott, who will also leave the T20I squad following the Hobart game, is also available for NSW. Steven Smith will play the second of his two matches after making 118 against Queensland at the Gabba.
Players Who Are ready For Ashes Call-Up
Victoria are expected to have Scott Boland for his third Shield outing of the season after he was rested for the match against Tasmania in Melbourne. Cameron Green will feature for Western Australia against Queensland in a game that should see him return to bowling for the first time since the opening match of the season.
Marnus Labuschagne will likely be keen for another outing before the Test series, where he is certain to earn a recall, while Matt Renshaw has been in the opening conversation. Beau Webster will play for Tasmania against South Australia who will have Alex Carey available alongside Head. Brendan Doggett, who could have been named among the back-up quicks by then, is also due to play for SA.
Meanwhile, legspinner Tanveer Sangha has been released from the T20I squad to play for NSW in the One-Day Cup match against Queensland in Sydney on Monday. He has been providing cover for Adam Zampa who is awaiting the birth of his second child. As previously announced, left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis will come into the squad for the final two matches on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane having overcome a calf injury.
Last Updated on November 3, 2025
