Travis Head is bullish ahead of the West Indies Tests, saying, “We are ready for anything”

Ahead of their forthcoming Test series against the West Indies, Australia’s cricketer Travis Head has declared that the team is ready for any challenge. A three-match Test series between the two teams is scheduled to take place in the Caribbean.

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, two important players for Australia, will miss the first Test match. Smith is anticipated to make a comeback for the second game of the series after suffering a finger injury during the WTC Final against South Africa. However, due to his poor performance, Labuschagne was dropped from the team. The pair will be replaced for the first Test match in Barbados by Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis.

“I honestly believe that we’re ready for anything, and we might even be ready for both spin and seam in the same game. The game may change into new modes and attack strategies while we are just getting started. Right now, as a batter, you’re just sort of preparing for anything. Create a plan and attempt to cover all bases after you have a better understanding of the situation,” Travis Head stated, as cited by ESPNcricinfo.

Australia’s sole trips to the West Indies since their 2015–16 tour have been for white-ball cricket, a limited-overs tour in 2021, where Barbados hosted three One-Day Internationals, and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Here, they [the pitches] whirled about a bit. “I’ve heard different things, especially with the Dukes and what that brings,” Travis Head recalls, “but they were pretty slow.”

The team will have a new look: Travis Head

Smith and Labuschagne will not be included in Australia’s Test XI for the first time since 2018. Smith came back from his ban in time for the 2019 Ashes, while Labuschagne was called up for the last game of the 2018 series.

“It will look a little different when we start the game. However, the players have already participated, so they have some experience playing Test cricket. It shouldn’t seem all that different because some of the guys there have been with the team for a long time,” the seasoned hitter continued.

Josh Inglis is a flexible choice, according to Travis Head.

Although the batting order has not yet been decided, head coach Andrew McDonald has allowed Head to start the innings if the conditions are similar to those in the subcontinent. Travis Head said that Inglis is a flexible player who can fill a number of places in the starting lineup and that he has the potential to perform well if given more time in the starting lineup.

“He [Inglis] has a wide range of skills. Being on the squad has given him few opportunities in a long time. He has played far more than he has for Australia, it seems. I believe he will succeed once he has a longer stay with the team. In Sri Lanka, he has already demonstrated excellent application. He has also [been] in several challenging roles. He seems well-suited and prepared to travel, in my opinion. He added, “He’s been waiting for a long time.”

After defeating India in the 2023 World Test Championship final, Australia came into The Ashes on a high note the last time. However, following a humiliating defeat to South Africa, they are travelling to the Caribbean this time. The Adelaide native acknowledged that the loss was regrettable but underlined that the team will use the upcoming years to reorganise and advance with a more formidable lineup.

“It’s a shame that after two years of diligent labour, things didn’t go as planned in just one week. To be fair, the opposition performed quite well. This is a preliminary look at what we have two more years to build. I believe that looking back or dwelling on it for too long causes you to lose sight of the future. We care, of course, and it’s not ideal, but you can’t change it in the end. You must go forward. The 31-year-old came to the conclusion, “You need to get back on the horse.”