'Will put my eggs in Test basket' - Travis Head speaks up following successful IPL 2024 stint with SRH

Travis Head, who is making waves in the IPL 2024 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, emphasised that Test cricket holds the utmost importance for him, despite his impressive performance in T20 cricket.

Known for his stellar displays in Test matches, particularly against India where he played pivotal roles with crucial centuries in significant finals, Head is determined to prioritise Test cricket over T20 leagues. In an interview, he stated his commitment to focusing on Test cricket for the time being, indicating his intention to participate in only two T20 league events per year. Looking ahead, Head plans to reassess his availability for selection in different formats after fulfilling his Test commitments.

"This has been the first year in IPL for me in quite a while (since 2017). I would put all my eggs in Test basket for the moment, I will continue to do that," Head told PTI during an exclusive interview organised by Prime Video ahead of their upcoming docu-series, 'The Test Season 3', featuring the Australian team's tour of England last year.

Head's schedule over the past year has been packed, from the World Test Championship final to the Ashes and the ongoing IPL, with the World T20 looming. Despite the workload, he remains pragmatic, cherishing the opportunities cricket offers.

"At this stage, I would like to be back here in IPL next year. Like I will play Major League Cricket (MLC in USA) this year right after the World T20 but next year might just look a lot different.

"Each year, you prioritise what you can and can't do. Next year, Test cricket is around, we tour the West Indies and probably I will not feature in many other franchises," the 30-year-old was categorical.

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"Look, in few years when I am finished with Test cricket, then probably there will be few more opportunities to play a bit more franchise cricket. But at this time, I would try to limit it to a couple of franchise may be, and (focus on) Test cricket."

Reflecting on his recent success against India, Head credited his evolution to experiences gained during the 2023 Test series in India. He emphasized continuous improvement, acknowledging areas where he can refine his game further.

"I think a lot of of that has come from the Test tour last year, spending time here and working on things and also being a bit older, understanding my game and its blueprint and how you want to go about it and being content and my family being around, all those things. In IPL, I have evolved continuously while getting better but I still have some work to do," he added.