Travis Head to miss final two India T20Is: Here's why
What's the story
Travis Head has been released from Australia's T20I squad for the final two matches of the ongoing series against India. He will now join his state team in the fourth round of Sheffield Shield games starting next Monday. The decision was left to Head by selectors, who had earlier played one early round of the Sheffield Shield before last summer's Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and topped its run-scoring chart.
Decision details
Third member of Australia's T20 squad to prioritize Test preparations
The 31-year-old batsman has now opted to play for South Australia against Tasmania in Hobart from November 10. He is the third member of Australia's T20 squad to prioritize preparation for the upcoming five-Test Ashes series against England, starting November 21 in Perth. Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott have also made similar decisions after playing India in the first three matches of the T20 series.
Upcoming matches
The upcoming round of Sheffield Shield will be star-studded
The upcoming round of Sheffield Shield will see a star-studded clash between New South Wales and Victoria at the SCG. Hazlewood and Abbott will play for NSW, while Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon are also set to feature. Cameron Green is expected to return to the bowling crease in Western Australia's clash with Queensland at WACA Ground after recovering from side soreness suffered before last month's ODIs against India.
Squad impact
Domestic matches could influence the final balance of XI
The domestic matches could still influence the final balance of the XI selectors pick to play at Perth Stadium on November 21. Beau Webster will get a chance to impress against reigning champions Western Australia. Even if not picked in the first Test squad, players will be keen to make their case given mid-series changes are possible.
Additional releases
Sangha also released from T20I squad
Along with Head, Tanveer Sangha has also been released from Australia's T20I squad. He will play for New South Wales in today's One-Day Cup match against Queensland at Sydney's Cricket Central. Adam Zampa, who is at his home near Byron Bay awaiting the birth of his second child, may train with the side while they are nearby.