Justin Langer insists Travis Head is under no more pressure than any other player to perform in Adelaide after only returning to the Test team after the Ashes.
Head was recalled for the first Test of the summer after being dropped for the last Ashes match, and scored 24 in Australia’s only innings of their big win over Pakistan.
While on the face of it Head was the only player whose spot in the side was questioned before the Test not to perform, he was given little opportunity to.
He came in with the score at 4-468 as Australia tried to up the run rate, and was out caught down the leg side.
“I thought he played really well in the first innings,” Langer said.
“He came in (after) an incredible opening partnership and it’s often a really hard time to come in and bat.
“What was impressive was he was busy against (Yasir) Shah.
“We all know he’s a very good young player so hopefully he does well this week. There’s no reason he shouldn’t, he’s in good nick.”
Head was moved down to No.6 for the Brisbane Test below Matthew Wade, after averaging 27.28 in the Ashes.
That was well below his career average, which still sits at 41.80.
Australia are expected to take an unchanged XI into the day-night match at the Adelaide Oval, after naming a 14-man squad for the two Tests against Pakistan.
But asked if Head was under any pressure ahead of next month’s series against New Zealand, Langer said: “No, they’re all under pressure.
“Every Australian player is under pressure every time they play. He missed out on the last Test in England, he hasn’t made the runs he was probably hoping for.
“But he made the runs in his last Shield game, played well in the first innings. He fielded well.
“We will just be encouraging him to play his best cricket at a ground he loves.”
Nah all good I appreciate the humour! But while we're still talking about Bancroft why not put him back in the team as Captain and replacement for Burns, and make him assistant coach to Langer while we're at it.
anon
Roar Pro
Bancroft was picked to swoop in when either Burns or Head fail, despite Bancroft averaging 9 so far this Shield season. Head did all that was asked of him at the Gabba. Came in when he was expected to score at a fast clip which is what he did. Handy 24.
Big Daddy
Guest
That's okay. My wet sense of humour.
When given some of the comments on this site about certain players, yours appeared pretty genuine. Not slow on the uptake.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
What do you mean? That was said to me last week...(?)
Brett McKay
Expert
Hope this isn't like having the full support of the board...
Big Daddy
Guest
Bit slow on the uptake Ben. Can't you tell someone's taking the p##s.
Big Daddy
Guest
Just what Head needs is pressure from the coach. You'd think he would back his players a bit more than that. You can bet money either Bancroft or Marsh will play a test or two this summer. What a joke.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Ha yes. Head just needs to make sure he doesn’t blow it by being too premature when ramping up his shot selection. If he can learn to pace himself, which will come with experience, no doubt he’ll be able to go long and hard with some really memorable performances and put the opposing side to the sword on many occasions to come.
Bancroft is an opener in FC cricket, not a middle order option mate.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Beavis and ButtHead?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
It's not selectors who have him under pressure. It is the social media public that get bored if there are no changes. That's why it is not pressure.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
"I’m a fan but Head" Aren't we all. But best we stick to the cricket on this forum, Paul.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
A real Headache for the selectors.
Paul
Roar Guru
Head's safe but for all the wrong reasons. There's not currently anyone really pressuring him for his spot and, as others have said, it's pretty silly to consider dropping a bloke after one Test - which was won inside 4 days by an innings. Langer's words were seriously kind about Head's innings though. He faced a spinner getting little to nothing from the track and a part timer at the other end, yet he still managed to play a couple of drives off the outside of his bat and eventually got out to the part timer. I'm a fan but Head needs a big score soon - it's a simple as that.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Not sure why this is a discussion point Heading into Adelaide
U
Roar Rookie
Well he needs runs.
Big Daddy
Guest
With Bancroft now established as a middle order batsman and Marsh back in form he needs to be worried.
Micko
Roar Rookie
lol, glad you used a capital letter. :laughing:
Hutcho
Roar Rookie
Ridiculous but right in the Australian selectors wheelhouse