Source : ABC NEWS
Star batter Travis Head has opened up on how Australia’s different approach to training has helped set up an era of success.
Australia is aiming for back-to-back World Test Championship titles when it faces South Africa at Lord’s in the decider.
Since 2021, Australia has collected three ICC trophies — the ODI and T20 World Cups, and the second edition of the WTC in 2023.
Despite having limited time to prepare for the one-off Test with the Proteas — Australia’s first red-ball match since February — Head is confident the XI will be ready to hit the ground running.
Travis Head in the nets ahead of the WTC against South Africa. (Getty Images: Alex Davison/ICC)
“Gone are the days of an optional session that wasn’t optional,” Head said.
“It was optional if you wanted, but naughty if you didn’t.
“So it was the optional ‘yes’ session.
“It was the optional ‘must be there’.
“We’re in a great environment now where we’re backed to be able to prepare how we want, and come in at different drop points.”
Head has thrived since Andrew McDonald became head coach in 2022, taking over after Justin Langer’s messy exit from the job following the 4-0 Ashes win in Australia.
The aggressive left-hander has become one of world cricket’s best big game players.
He starred with a player-of-the-match performance when Australia defeated India in the 2023 WTC final at The Oval, smashing a game-changing 163.
Head proved it was no fluke only months later when he inspired Australia to a memorable upset of India at a hostile Ahmedabad in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
“I feel like we’ve been in so many big games,” Head said.
“I have pride in the way I play, and I want to contribute every time I play.
“I put pressure on myself no matter, regardless of the situation or what kind of game I play in.
“So good things, bad things.
“I don’t see it any bigger this week than what’s to come.
“If you look at it through that lens, what’s the worst that can happen?
“Playing a final at Lords, it’s a cool thing to be involved in.”
After opening with Usman Khawaja for Australia’s two Tests in Sri Lanka, Head will move back to No.5 against the Proteas.
Marnus Labuschagne is expected to move up from No.3 to open with Khawaja, with fit-again Cameron Green to bat in the top-three.
Captain Pat Cummins is expected to confirm Australia’s XI when he conducts his pre-match press conference at Lord’s on Tuesday.
AAP
