‘Didn’t come here expecting to bowl the 50th twice’ - Travis Head reflects on his all-round show against England

Australia clinched the five-game ODI series against England after defeating the hosts in the fifth and final ODI in Bristol. The series saw Australia win the first two ODIs, but England came back with winning the third and fourth games. It all came down to the fifth and final clash, which was won by the Aussies through the DLS method. 

Ace Australia batter Travis Head won the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance. Opening the innings, Head scored 31 off 26 and impressed with the ball as well, taking four wickets in 6.2 overs.

Reflecting on his performance, Head remarked that he was not expecting to bowl the 50th over twice in the ODI series. He also talked about managing his workload better ahead of important assignments. 

"Joking about death bowling with (Josh) Hazlewood. I know he’s always complaining about bowling at the death. I didn’t come here expecting to bowl the 50th twice but nice to get the job done. We’re going to Galle in a couple of months time, so keeping my loads up,” Head said.

We just let him play away and do his thing: Mitchell Marsh

Furthermore, Australia’s Mitchell Marsh, who did not play the fifth ODI, heaped praise on Head, revealing that the Men in Yellow have given him the freedom to play the way that he wants to. 

"We just let him play away and do his thing. He’s found real consistency in the way he goes about things, and he’s a game changer. For him, it’s about being as clear as possible and we just let him go. I think he’s a very underrated bowler, and every time he bowls he seems to change the game in a way … he’s a great character when he bowls, love his celebrations. The conditions changed, it started spinning a bit later on in their innings. To have options like him, we’re lucky,” Marsh said.