Head reveals his approach in India

TRAVIS Head says he has not changed his game plan on the spinning tracks of India as he seeks to win a spot in the Test squad for the coming series against Pakistan.

The 24-year-old South Australia batsman hit 87 in the second innings of Australia A’s victory over India A in their four-day fixture in Bengaluru, staking his claim for a place in the touring party to the UAE next month.

Head has had mixed results in India, with returns of five and zero in the one-day series before he was dismissed for four in the first innings against India A.

But Head returned to form in the second dig, with his 162-ball knock featuring 13 boundaries as Australia A claimed a 98-run victory in the first of two four-day fixtures.

“I think it’s just a range of things I’ve been working on over the winter about trying to have a bit of a tighter defence and trying to make sure I have a strong defence and I’m able to be out there for a long period,” Head said.

“Runs come from that I guess, so it was nice to be out there and do it for a long period of time.

“I’ve been probably a bit hit and miss and not as consistent as I would’ve liked.

“I’ve got some runs but missed out quite a few times. I’ve been working hard and feel like I’ve been playing really well.

‘I’ve just got to continue to do the basics longer. That’s what we’ve been talking about in the changeroom and that was the aim (on Tuesday).”

Head shared a crucial 81-run partnership with Usman Khawaja (40) and a 50-run stand with Marnus Labuschagne (37) to help Australia A post 292 in their second innings.

With David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft suspended, Head is one of several batsmen eyeing a spot in the Test squad for the series against Pakistan.

He averages 35.94 from 68 matches at first-class level with seven centuries.

Last summer, Head hammered 738 runs in eight matches at 46.12 and was the sixth highest run-scorer in the JLT Sheffield Shield.

“Obviously I would’ve loved to get 100, but I think again I set the game up nicely,” Head said.

“I would’ve loved to get there, but sometimes it’s just not the case. 

“I think I’m playing well at the minute, my process was really good, did the basics for a long period of time and I was really happy with my forward defence, just being able to bat a bit of time and get us to a good total we could defend and win the game.”

Victoria spinner Jon Holland bowled Australia A to victory, claiming 6-81 from 24.3 overs as India A was all out for 163 on Wednesday.

Holland also grabbed 3-89 in the first innings, giving him nine wickets for the game.

“Fantastic over the four days. ‘Dutchy’ bowled exceptionally well. We knew he had it in him coming into day four, where you probably look for your spinner to win you the game,” Head said.

“He was able to do that again and I’ve seen him do it multiple times for Victoria.

“He put them under pressure and that led from the quicks as well. The quicks did a fantastic job as a partnership with the four of them (bowlers).

“We were able to build a lot of pressure through the middle overs and throughout the day and put pressure on the new batters.”

The second four-day match between the two teams is scheduled to start on September 8.

Australia A Tour of India

Australia A four-day squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Alex Carey (vc), Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Joel Paris, Kurtis Patterson, Matthew Renshaw, Mitch Swepson, Chris Tremain

Four-day fixtures in Vizag

2-5 September v India A

8-11 September v India A