Travis Head to Miss Final Matches Ahead of Ashes Preparation

Travis Head will miss the last two matches of the series to prepare for the Ashes, opting to play for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. His recent form has been lacking, with a top score of just 31 in his last eight innings. Meanwhile, other players like Josh Hazlewood and Steven Smith are returning to domestic action, while Kuldeep Yadav has been released to participate in the India A series. This article covers the latest updates in Australian cricket as they gear up for the highly anticipated Ashes series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 3, 2025, 16:25 IST

Travis Head's Absence from Final Matches

Carrara, Australia - November 3: Australian cricketer Travis Head will not participate in the last two matches of the five-match series as he prepares for the upcoming Ashes, which is set to commence on November 21. Instead, he will represent South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. The 31-year-old left-handed batsman is scheduled to play against Tasmania in Hobart next week, marking his return to first-class cricket since the West Indies tour in July.

Head's recent performance in limited-overs cricket has been underwhelming. After scoring 142 against South Africa in August, he has only managed a top score of 31 in eight innings across T20Is and ODIs.

Importance of Head in Upcoming Test Series

As Australia gears up to face England, Head's role at number five in the batting order will be vital. Reports indicate that the choice to play in a four-day match before the series was primarily left to Head.

Hazlewood, Green, and Smith Return to Domestic Cricket

Following Head's exit, he joins Josh Hazlewood, who also departed the T20I squad after the second match. Hazlewood will lead New South Wales' bowling lineup, which includes experienced spinner Nathan Lyon, in their match against Victoria.

Sean Abbott will be available for New South Wales after the Hobart fixture. Steven Smith, a key player for Australia, will participate in his second match after scoring 118 against Queensland at the Gabba.

Veteran bowler Scott Boland is anticipated to make his third appearance in the Shield this season after being rested for Victoria's match against Tasmania in Melbourne.

All-rounder Cameron Green is set to play for Western Australia against Queensland, marking his return to bowling duties for the first time since the season's opening match.

Kuldeep Yadav Released for India A Responsibilities

In related news, India has released left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the last two T20Is to enable him to join the India A series against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for the second four-day Test.