Travis Head might have taken this year’s IPL by storm but Test cricket remains the Australian’s top priority and till the time he is playing the format, the big-hitter would like to limit his participation in T20 leagues to just two events per year.
Head has been a nemesis for India with centuries in both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup finals. Currently, he has 533 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad, forging a fabulous opening partnership with uncapped Abhishek Sharma.
“This has been the first year in IPL for me in quite a while (since 2017). I would put all my eggs in the Test basket for the moment, I will continue to do that,” Head said.
“After Tests, I will pick formats, and see in which different ways I am available for selection.”
Having had a great run for Sunrisers this season, Head is keen on coming back to the IPL next year.
“At this stage, I would like to be back here in IPL next year. Like I will play Major League Cricket (MLC in USA) this year right after the World T20 but next year might just look a lot different.
“Each year, you prioritise what you can and can’t do. Next year, Test cricket is around, we tour the West Indies and probably I will not feature in many other franchises,” the 30-year-old was categorical.
“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. But at this time, I would try
to limit it to a couple of franchise may be, and (focus on) Test cricket.”
The last 10 months have been very hectic for Head starting with the WTC final, followed by the Ashes and then the World Cup in India. More than two months of the IPL will be followed by the T20 World Cup beginning next month.
But he doesn’t want to make a big deal about workload management. “I will be home in a couple of days’ time once we are done with IPL. Be home for two-three days and make the trip to the West Indies and start all over again.
“Look, we are very fortunate to do what we do and I am not going to do it forever. So try and make the most of it as we can, we are lucky that we are well looked after.
“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.”
PTI
