Travis Head released from T20I squad, will play for South:Australia opener to feature against Tasmania; Sheffield Shield match to begin on 10 November

Australia opening batter Travis Head has been released from the T20 International squad for the remaining two matches against India. The decision comes as part of his preparation for the upcoming Ashes series, starting later this month. Head will now focus on red-ball cricket and play in the Sheffield Shield for South Australia to gear up for the high-profile five-Test campaign against England. The 31-year-old left-hander will join wicketkeeper Alex Carey to represent South Australia in their match against Tasmania, starting November 10. This will be Head’s first first-class appearance since Australia’s tour of the West Indies in July. The first Ashes Test begins on November 21 in Perth, and the move aims to help him adjust to the longer format ahead of the marquee series. Switch to red-ball focus before the Ashes Head’s recent form in white-ball cricket has been below expectations. Over the past month, he has managed a top score of only 31 in eight innings across T20Is and ODIs, following his brilliant 142-run knock against South Africa in August. His return to red-ball cricket is seen as an opportunity to regain rhythm and confidence ahead of the Ashes. According to cricket.com.au, the selectors left the final decision to Head himself, whether to continue in the T20I series against India or switch to the Sheffield Shield. The left-hander chose to play in the domestic competition, prioritising red-ball readiness for the Ashes. Other players are also focusing on Test preparation Head is the third Australian player to step away from the ongoing T20I series for Ashes preparation. Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott have also made the same choice. Both will represent New South Wales in their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The report further added that every player expected to be part of Australia’s first Ashes Test squad will feature in the upcoming round of Sheffield Shield matches. Last season, Head was the leading run-scorer in the Shield competition before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, underlining his strong domestic form. Series level against India Meanwhile, the five-match T20I series between India and Australia is currently level at 1-1 after three matches. The remaining two games will be played in Carrara on November 6 and Brisbane on November 8.