Australia batter Travis Head has been released from ODI and T20I squads ahead of the second ODI against West Indies on Saturday, January 3.
Head played the ODI series opener against tourists from Caribbean, wherein he scored just four runs while chasing 231-run target for Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. However, the left-handed decided to withdraw from white-ball squads in order to 'refresh' after having busy summer, playing Test series against Pakistan and West Indies.
Cricket Australia confirmed the releasing of Travis Head's from ODI and T20I squads. Head won't be part remaining two ODIs of the series, followed up three-match T20I series against West Indies and will travel to home for a break ahead of away T20 and Test series against New Zealand later this month.
Meanwhile, Australia also confirmed that pacer Xavier Bartlett will be rested for the second ODI and Mark Spencer is likely to replace him in the playing XI. Bartlett put on an impressive performance with the ball on his international debut in first ODI, registering figures of 1/17 at an economy rate of 1.90 in his nine overs spell.
Cricket Australia ruled out any injury on Bartlett, stating that the selectors wanted to manage additional workload of the young pacer after playing all the matches for Brisbane Heat, including Final in Big Bash League 2023-24. Xavier Bartlett was the highest wicket-taker in recently concluded BBL season, with 20 wickets.
Australia look to seal series in the second ODI
Steve Smith-led Aussies will be eyeing to seal ODI series in the second match against West Indies at Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, January 4. The hosts defeated the Caribbean side by 8 wickets in the ODI series opener at MCG on Friday.
With the target of 231-run, Australia chased it down with 12.3 overs spare. Half-centuries from Josh Inglis (65), Steve Smith (79*) and Cameron Green (72*) powered the hosts to 8-wicket win.
The unbeaten 148-run partnership between Smith and Green for the third wicket after Inglis's dismissal at 83/2 helped Australia to chase down the target in 38.3 overs.
Australia will look to win the series in the 2nd ODI after the Test series ended in draw following West Indies' historic The Gabba win. Interestingly, Aussies are yet lose a ODI series against West Indies since 2003.
