In the lead-up to the Pink Ball Test against India, Australian opener Travis Head has addressed rumours of a rift between the Australian bowlers and batters. Following Australia’s defeat in the first Test of the five-match series at Perth’s Optus Stadium, speculation arose regarding potential discord within the team, particularly after a disappointing performance from the batting lineup.
Travis Head’s reacts to the rumours
Speaking to reporters, Head dismissed the rumours as unfounded, emphasizing the strong camaraderie within the Australian squad. “It can be put to bed. We hold high expectations for both sides (batting and bowling) and it’s a very individualised sport,” he stated.
Head highlighted that such discussions are common in high-pressure environments but reiterated that the focus remains on collective improvement.
“So batters, we want to hold our own – we know how good our bowlers have been for us in the past and they’ve got us out of trouble a lot. As a batting group, we know that if we get enough runs on the board, we put ourselves in a great position.
“As a batter myself, I try to take a whole lot of pride in what I do, and knowing that if I can set it up for the big boys, that they can knock it down for us, so definitely no divide,” he explained.
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Speculations of rift in the Australian dressing room
The reports of rift in the Australian dressing room started make waves on the internet when fast bowler Josh Hazlewood indirectly blamed batters for the home team’s dismal show on the fourth day of the Perth Test.
“You’d probably have to ask one of the batters about that,” Hazlewood said while answering the reporters. “I was mostly relaxing, getting some treatment, and focusing on the next Test.”
The Australia team is looking to bounce back with victory in the second Test at Adelaide Oval, a venue known for its unique challenges when playing with the pink ball. The Aussies are focusing on refining their strategies during practice sessions, with an emphasis on building partnerships and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.