Australia opener Travis Head accepts he can have his “work cut out” against England’s pacemen because the Ashes rivals lock horns of their Champions Trophy opener on Saturday.
Head collected the player of the one-day international series award when Australia edged England 3-2 last September, averaging nearly 83 at a strike-rate in excess of 120 with the bat and claiming a four-for within the decider along with his under-rated off-spin.
But a buccaneering 154 not out in the primary ODI was followed by a trio of cameos all under 35 and he perished to England quick Brydon Carse on each occasion within the powerplay.
While Carse, a hit-the-deck bowler who has troubled Head with shorter deliveries, is a slight doubt with a toe injury at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium this weekend, England have 90mph-plus options in Mark Wood and Jofra Archer and neither Saqib Mahmood nor Gus Atkinson are slouches on the speed gun.
Head, who inspired Australia to victory within the 2023 World Cup final with a shocking century, is subsequently cautious about what he might come up against.
Travis Head
“I’m going to have my work cut out for me with a few of that fast bowling England have gotten,” Australia’s vice-captain said.
“They’re top quality, highly expert and high pace. I’ve got to be certain that I start well, earn the suitable, and see where the sport takes us.
“I’m just apprehensive about ensuring I start well for the team.
Australia are among the many favourites to go all the way in which although they can be without captain Pat Cummins and fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, plus all-rounders Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis.
Lots of onus falls on experienced quartet Steve Smith, who’s standing in as skipper for Cummins, plus Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell and Head as Australia tackle South Africa and Afghanistan after England of their group.
With only two teams qualifying for the semi-finals, Head is aware Australia cannot afford to make a false start just like the 2023 World Cup, after they lost their first two matches before winning the subsequent nine to lift the trophy.
“You don’t have the posh of a World Cup with plenty of games to work right into a tournament and navigate through and pinpoint games which may be more essential than others,” Head added.
“Here it’s pretty cut-throat, it’s just about a knockout and also you’ve got to begin well, so little question that each one our attention is on England straight away.”
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