Bouncers on the menu as 'aggressive' Head prepares for Perth feast

Travis Head anticipates a challenging return to red-ball cricket against Pakistan in the first test at the Optus Stadium in Perth after his standout performance during the World Cup 2023 in India. Expecting Pakistan's bowlers to target him with bouncers and short-pitched deliveries due to his recent hand injury and limited recovery, he remains unfazed, acknowledging the potential tactic.

Despite admitting to a less-than-ideal practice session at WACA Ground in Perth, the southpaw chose to skip Monday's optional training session. Despite his stellar Test record over the last 12 months, amassing 1303 runs at an average of 56.6 and a strike rate of 81, opponents have persisted with bouncer-focused strategies against him.

"Whatever comes [Bouncers], I just try to react well and be prepared for anything. Nothing really changes from my side of things in terms of the mental state and where I want to be. As you move through your innings you're going to get different plans, and I'm sure it will be much the same. The one thing I have accepted is there's never a pretty way of getting out,” Head said as quoted by cricket.com.au 

I want to be aggressive: Head

Heading into his first Test since the Ashes, the Australia opener assured a similarity in his playing style to his renowned limited-overs approach that earned him global recognition. Amidst the tornado of attention following his match-winning century in the World Cup final and subsequent celebrations, he confessed to having little time to strategise for the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan.

"I want to be positive, I want to be aggressive and we've spoken a bit about the way I played in the World Cup (which was) calculated with the right percentages. So do the same thing again, and whether that is striking at 50 (per 100 balls faced) or striking at 100, wherever the game presents itself is how I've seen my game over a period of time now," he added.