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[Saba Sports News] Australia’s Travis Head, notable for his performances in the World Test Championship final and ODI World Cup 2023 final, has been named co-vice-captain of the Test team, sharing the role with Steven Smith. Ahead of the first Test against Pakistan in Perth, Captain Pat Cummins announced Head’s inclusion, highlighting his leadership qualities and the team’s focus on building a strong leadership foundation for the future.
“Really excited to have Trav on board as the co-vice-captain. He’s been playing for a long time. He’s always been a leader in our group. So we thought it was a good time to formally recognise that. Whilst nothing’s imminent, Steve’s not going to play forever. I daresay I’m not going to captain forever. So we feel like we’ve got some responsibility to future-proof the team and start trying to give opportunities to other leaders,” Cummins shared.
“I think the personality that he brings to the team is something that we all love. And I think you see it in the way he plays his cricket. There’s a certain amount of freedom to it. He takes the game on. He enjoys it. He’s always got a smile on his face,” he added.
Nathan Lyon’s return from injury, replacing Todd Murphy as the sole spinner, is the only change in the Australian lineup from their last Test against England in July.
Cummins praised Head’s long-standing contribution and leadership within the team. He acknowledged the need to prepare future leaders as neither he nor Smith will hold their positions indefinitely.
Head, who previously held the vice-captaincy in 2018 under Tim Paine, brings a positive energy and an aggressive playing style to the team. Smith, continuing as the senior vice-captain, has captained Australia in 34 Tests and deputized for Cummins in his absence. The duo of Head and Cummins had earlier replaced Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood as co-vice-captains in February 2019, following the sandpaper scandal.