Travis Head, Australia’s middle-order batsman, said being dropped for the first test in India came as a surprise after “robust” discussions with the selectors, and he was ready to play anywhere in the lineup if recalled.
After struggling against spin on tours to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the 29-year-old aggressive left-hander was left out of the team for the first test of the four-match series in Nagpur.
“It was something that I didn’t expect coming here,” Head told reporters in New Delhi. “The conversations were robust. Everyone has different opinions. I respect the coaching staff and selectors and I have a strong relationship with them.
“I think that’s what made the conversations the way they went, because there’s respect that goes both ways and we were able to voice our opinions.
“I woke up the next morning and I’m still on tour playing for Australia, I still get to do what I love to do. I’d love to be competing and playing but there’s another way I can support the guys… I still feel like I’m in a great space.”
Head was recalled for the second test in India’s capital, Delhi, after scoring three half-centuries in Australia’s recent home series against South Africa and also impressing against the West Indies.
