Cricket

Travis Head, the Australian batting sensation, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, despite his success in the T20 league, Head remains committed to prioritizing Test cricket."I would put all my eggs in the Test basket for the moment," Head told PTI. "I will continue to do that."Head's decision stems from his belief that Test cricket is the pinnacle of the sport. He has enjoyed a remarkable run in the longest format over the past year, scoring centuries in both the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final.While Head acknowledges the financial benefits of playing in T20 leagues, he is determined to limit his participation to just two events per year. This will allow him to focus on his Test career and maintain his fitness."After Tests, I will pick formats, and see in which different ways I am available for selection," Head said. "At this stage, I would like to be back here in [the] IPL next year. Like I will play Major League Cricket [in the USA] this year right after the World T20 [T20 World Cup] but next year might just look a lot different."Head's decision is a testament to his commitment to Test cricket. He believes that the longer format allows him to showcase his full range of skills and contribute to his team's success."Look, in few years when I am finished with Test cricket, then probably there will be few more opportunities to play a bit more franchise cricket," Head said. "But at this time, I would try to limit it to a couple of franchise[s] maybe, and [focus on] Test cricket."Despite his hectic schedule, Head is not concerned about workload management. He is determined to make the most of his time on the field and enjoy the moment."I know in a few years, I can retire and do nothing, I will have plenty of time to look back and wish I was back on tour, I would like to be in the moment, keep batting through and stay in the moment, enjoying the moment."

Riley Meredith, the Australian fast bowler, has joined Somerset for their Vitality Blast campaign and will remain with the club until at least the quarter-final stage of the competition. The 27-year-old will also be available to play in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup group stages and a "managed number" of Vitality County Championship matches.Meredith has expressed his excitement about playing in English conditions and is eager to contribute to Somerset's success. "Somerset are the current Vitality Blast champions and I'll be doing everything I can to help them retain the title," he said.To date, Meredith has represented Australia in five T20Is, claiming eight wickets at an average of 23.50. He also played a one-off ODI against West Indies in 2021.Throughout his T20 career, Meredith has amassed 114 wickets in 91 matches, with an average of 25.42. His best performance came for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, where he took 4 for 21. He has also represented Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings in the IPL.Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, praised Meredith's abilities and experience. "He bowls with real pace and skill and will add further experience and a different dimension to our bowling attack," Hurry said.Meredith is determined to achieve further international recognition and is eager to play a key role for Somerset this summer. "Somerset are one of the biggest names in the English domestic game and I'm excited to be able to play a part in their journey this year," he added.

Ben Dwarshuis, the Australian left-arm fast bowler, has joined Durham for the upcoming Vitality Blast tournament. The 31-year-old replaces Scott Boland, who was ruled out for the season due to plantar fasciitis.Dwarshuis comes to Durham after a successful Big Bash League campaign with the Sydney Sixers, where he was the leading bowler and player of the season. He claimed 17 wickets, including a match-winning 5 for 21 against the Brisbane Heat. Dwarshuis also played a key role in the Sixers' back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021, taking 24 wickets in the latter campaign.At the international level, Dwarshuis has represented Australia in three T20Is, claiming five wickets at an average of 22.40. He has also featured for Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League and Worcestershire in the Vitality Blast."I am very much looking forward to joining Durham Cricket for the upcoming 2024 Vitality Blast season," said Dwarshuis. "It will also be a great opportunity to play in front of the passionate Durham fans at the Seat Unique Riverside."Durham's Director of Cricket, Marcus North, expressed his excitement about Dwarshuis' signing. "We are thrilled to have recruited Ben for our T20 Blast season," said North. "With the loss of Scott Boland and the T20 World Cup being played through the tournament, it was important we found the right cricketer who can play a key role for us this season.""Ben has a terrific record with the Sydney Sixers and is constantly up there as one of the top wicket takers in the BBL," added North. "His white-ball cricket skills are very good, and we are pleased to have him on board."Dwarshuis' left-arm option adds variety to Durham's already strong bowling attack. He is also a capable batsman, which gives the team additional depth.

Travis Head, the dynamic Australian batter, has opted to extend his playing season by joining Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC) alongside fellow countryman Steven Smith. Head's decision comes despite the grueling schedule he has endured in recent months, including the T20 World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL).Head's decision to continue playing reflects his unwavering commitment to the sport and his desire to maintain his form. Despite experiencing fatigue at the end of the Australian summer, he has chosen to embrace the challenge of a new league and a new environment.Washington Freedom, under the guidance of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, has assembled an impressive roster for the upcoming MLC season. Head and Smith will join New Zealand allrounder Rachin Ravindra, South African paceman Marco Jansen, and Trinidadian spinner Akeal Hosein.Head's signing adds further depth to the Australian contingent in MLC, which already includes Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, and Tim David. The tournament, which kicks off immediately after the T20 World Cup, promises to showcase some of the world's best cricketers.Head's decision to join MLC is a testament to the growing popularity of the league and its ability to attract top-tier talent. The tournament provides an opportunity for players to extend their playing season and gain valuable experience in a different cricketing environment.

Travis Head's meteoric rise in international cricket continued in 2023, with the Australian batter establishing himself as a key figure in the team's success. However, Head understands that maintaining this level of performance is a constant challenge, and he is determined to prove his worth once again at the upcoming T20 World Cup.Head's remarkable centuries in the World Test Championship final and the 50-over World Cup summit clash against India showcased his exceptional talent and ability to perform under pressure. Now, the 30-year-old is eager to translate his success into the T20 format through his experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL)."I've come a long way as a player. I guess owning a little bit of the style I want to play and the way I have played overseas too, I've been able to tick a few boxes. Now, the pressure is to continue to play the way I am playing," Head told PTI in an interview.Head believes that simplifying his technique and focusing on his strengths will be crucial for his success in all formats. He demonstrated his adaptability while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing IPL, opening the batting and scoring 133 runs from five matches at a strike rate of 177."With the World Cup coming around the corner and, hopefully, being involved in that squad and batting at the top of the order...it gives me good preparation here in the IPL to try and get some runs and have a little bit of form going into the World Cup," noted Head.While playing a full season of IPL could lead to burnout ahead of the ICC marquee event in June, Head is aware of the potential risks. "I think it is important for me to make sure that I'm mentally fresh throughout the IPL and continuing to work on my game, and making sure that I am ready for the World Cup when that time comes. But I am feeling like I am prepared and ready at the moment," he added.Head's confidence was evident in his blistering 24-ball 62 in his first IPL match in seven years. The South Australian attributed his immediate impact to his increased game awareness."It was nice to get some runs in the first game, and honestly, I didn't really have too many expectations. It's been a long time between IPLs for me, seven years, but I've learned a lot over that time and am a lot more mature now."I feel like I understand my game a lot more. So, a lot of different feelings coming back and not trying to be too nervous or worried about results. I am just making sure that the things that I've done over the last few years are going to work and I best prepare myself to play well for the franchise," he said.Head acknowledged the positive influence of Pat Cummins (captain) and Daniel Vettori (head coach) in the SRH dressing room, which has helped him settle into the new environment. "Definitely having Pat and Dan, who I've worked closely with for Australia in the last few years, has helped me. It's a very relaxed environment."Soon as I got my contract, I knew that I had the backing from those guys and they’ve confidence in my game," he said.Head's exploits against India last year remain a highlight of his career, with the World Cup final at Ahmedabad being the pinnacle. The left-hander's buccaneering 120-ball 137 propelled the Aussies to a six-wicket victory and their sixth ODI World title."I think the World Cup final was probably the biggest match of my career, regardless of whether I got runs or not. It was a huge moment. Obviously, I have not played in a World Cup before."So, to have all the stuff that happened, making it to a final and then being able to contribute in the final makes it all so much better," he explained.Head believes that the foundation for his success against India was laid during the 2023 Test tour, where he made a couple of 40s at New Delhi and Indore, besides a 90 at Ahmedabad."The two finals come to mind. But a big Test series (2023) and some T20 games in between...I feel I drew a lot of my blueprint and confidence from that Test tour in India, which then flowed into the World Test Championship and then especially to the World Cup final."I was able to draw back on some of the things that worked well on those wickets and it’s nice that it has come together in big games for me," Head offered.Head feels that his confident approach has found perfect resonance in the Hyderabad dressing room in the ongoing IPL. "We want to be aggressive and I think we've shown that in the first five games. It suited me as well. I feel, at the moment, we're being really aggressive in the right way and the right moments."Obviously, Power Play is very important for us and hopefully Abhi (Abhishek Sharma) and I can continue to do what we've been doing in the Power Play," he signed off.

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's exceptional performance in the recent home series against England has raised expectations for his potential in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. However, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes Jaiswal will need to adapt his game to the unique challenges of Australian pitches.Hogg emphasized the need for Jaiswal to develop a new range of shots to counter the pace and bounce of Australian surfaces. He suggested that Jaiswal should utilize the pace of the ball to his advantage by playing hook and pull shots instead of relying solely on power."Jaiswal played exceptionally well. Now how he is going to play when he comes here (Australia), he is going to have to change his game. Maybe look to use the pace while playing hook and pull shots instead of hitting hard," Hogg said on his YouTube channel.Hogg also praised another young Indian batter, Sarfaraz Khan, who made his international debut in the England series. Hogg noted that Khan's impressive shot-making against fast bowlers indicates that he is working on improving his game against pace."Sarfaraz Khan, I was worried about his game against fast bowling. But some of the pull shots he has played against sheer pace, I can say that he has been working on his game. I think he is just about ready to take on Australia's pace attack in Australia with some of the pull shots he has played," Hogg said.Jaiswal and Khan will be key players to watch in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as India aims to retain the trophy on Australian soil. Their ability to adapt to the unique conditions and execute their shots effectively will be crucial to India's success.

Tanveer Sangha, the promising Australian spinner, remains steadfast in his aspiration to become a three-format bowler for his country. Despite having played more white-ball matches for Australia than red-ball matches at first-class level, Sangha believes that red-ball cricket can still be a priority for him.Sangha is set to make his first Sheffield Shield appearance in almost two years when he turns out for New South Wales against Queensland on Monday. The legspinner has been sidelined from Shield action due to overseas commitments and injuries.Despite his limited red-ball experience, Sangha is confident that he can still achieve his goal of adding a Baggy Green to his limited-overs playing caps. "I definitely think all three formats is definitely up for play," Sangha said. "There's plenty of time still. Everyone says I'm young. I'm 22. You're not going to peak until late 20s."Sangha acknowledges the challenges of being a multi-format bowler, but he is determined to find a balance that allows him to maintain his skills in both red-ball and white-ball cricket. "It's the most difficult skill in cricket. I'm still learning, trying to pull leggies, wrong'uns, toppies, sliders and executing all these different variations. I'm just trying to think long term rather than short. It's a long career if I do make it and I do get through all of it."Sangha is aware of the impact that white-ball cricket has had on Test hopefuls, with players like Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell having limited opportunities in the Shield in recent seasons. However, he is determined to find a way to maintain his red-ball skills while on white-ball tours."That's what I'm learning now while I was away," Sangha said. "What can I still do while on a white-ball tour to make sure I'm maintaining my red ball-skills, shapes and bowling style?"For now, Sangha is focused on his upcoming Shield match and the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean later this year. He believes that his red-ball experience will benefit his white-ball cricket, as it will allow him to develop his skills in planning and executing dismissals.

Mitchell Starc, on the cusp of surpassing Dennis Lillee as Australia's fourth-highest Test wicket-taker, credits former coach Tim Nielsen's tough love for his remarkable resilience. Starc, who has played seven consecutive Tests this summer, has overcome physical challenges to become Australia's iron man.Nielsen's words, "harden the f* up," have resonated with Starc, who has pushed through pain to represent his country. Despite lingering groin soreness, Starc was Australia's leading wicket-taker in the Ashes last year. He also played through the World Cup with minor adjustments to his run-up.Starc's ability to withstand pain and perform at a high level is a testament to his experience and determination. He has learned to manage niggles and find ways to contribute to the team. Surpassing Lillee is a significant milestone, as Starc is the only bowler in Australia's top eight wicket-takers with a strike-rate under 50.Starc is also approaching another landmark: 100 Tests. Tim Southee will become the latest pace bowler to reach this milestone in Christchurch, and Starc is 12 away. If his body and form hold up, he could join the club in 2025.Starc's longevity and resilience are a testament to his dedication and the support of the medical staff. He has become a role model for young bowlers, showing that it is possible to overcome physical challenges and achieve greatness.

Cameron Green's impressive performance in the Wellington Test, where he scored a match-winning 174 not out, has prompted Australian selectors to prioritize his red-ball preparation ahead of the upcoming home summer. Despite being in contention for the T20 World Cup, Green was left out of the T20I series against New Zealand to play Sheffield Shield cricket.This decision paid off as Green scored an unbeaten 103 for Western Australia against Tasmania, helping his team secure a draw. Green himself credited this preparation for his stunning century in Wellington, where he was the only player to score more than 71 on a challenging batting surface.With no Tests scheduled until the Border-Gavaskar series against India in late November, Australia will tour England for ODIs and T20Is in September and host Pakistan for similar matches in November. Green is expected to be a regular in both ODI and T20I sides, but coach Andrew McDonald emphasized the importance of prioritizing his red-ball preparation."The next stress point on that's going to be next summer leading into the Indian Test series," McDonald said. "I think it'll be a conversation where he's at. I'd like to probably err on the side of preparing him through red-ball. We know how good a white-ball player he is."McDonald acknowledged that not all multiformat players require the same preparation, but he believes Green would benefit from playing Shield games before the first Test against India."I think with the results he's had out there, he'll probably come to us and say can you give us a couple of Shield games before the first Test against India," McDonald said.McDonald also highlighted the importance of Shield cricket for other players, emphasizing that individual needs will be considered."We'll use Shield cricket to get ready for the Test summer on an individual's needs basis," McDonald said. "There won't be any [prescription that] this is what we're doing with every player."New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed his desire for his players to play more first-class cricket before Test matches."I would love as national coach to see us play some Plunkett Shield prior to going into Test matches and certainly it's something that is high on my agenda to try and get New Zealand Cricket to keep thinking about the structure of our season," Stead said.McDonald praised Green's performance at No.4, where he was recalled against West Indies."We think he can be a long-term option there and I think this is a big step towards that," McDonald said. "The conversations are always that he's obviously a quality player and probably the statistics that everyone was looking at early on in his career probably didn't reflect the player that's in front of us."