'We are prepared for anything' - Travis Head confident ahead of West Indies Tests

Australia cricketer Travis Head has stated that the team is fully prepared for all challenges ahead of their upcoming Test series against the West Indies. The two sides are set to face off in a three-match Test series in the Caribbean, s

Australia will be without key players Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne for the opening Test. Smith is currently recovering from a finger injury he incurred during the WTC Final against South Africa and is expected to return for the second match of the series. Labuschagne, on the other hand, has been dropped from the side for poor run of form. Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis are slated to replace the duo for the first Test in Barbados.

"I think we're prepared for anything, really, and prepared for maybe both [seam and spin] in the same game. We could be starting the game and then it could shift into different modes and plans of attack. So, as a batter, you're just sort of planning for anything at the moment. And then once you get a look at the lay of the land, come up with a plan and try to cover all bases," said Head as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Since their 2015–16 tour, Australia's only visits to the West Indies have been for white-ball cricket, a limited-overs tour in 2021, during that Barbados hosted three ODIs, and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

"They [the pitches] spun a little bit here. They were pretty slow, but I've heard different things, especially with the Dukes and what that brings," Head recalled.

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It will be a new look for the team: Head

This will be the first time since 2018 that Australia's Test XI will not feature either Smith or Labuschagne. Labuschagne was recalled for the final match of the 2018 series, while Smith returned from his ban ahead of the 2019 Ashes.

"When we get into the game, it'll be a little bit new looking. But the guys have already played, so [they have] experience already in a short amount of Test cricket. There are some guys there that have been a part of the group for a long time now, so it shouldn't feel too much different," the experienced batter added.

Head finds Josh Inglis a versatile option

The batting order is yet to be finalised, but head coach Andrew McDonald has kept the door open for Head to open the innings if the conditions resemble those found in the subcontinent. Head acknowledged that Inglis is a versatile option capable of covering multiple positions in the XI and admitted that, with an extended run in the side, he has the potential to excel.

"He [Inglis] can cover so many bases. [He's had] limited opportunity in a long time, being in the squad. It feels like he's played a lot more than he has for Australia. Once he gets his extended stay in the team, I think he'll excel. He's already shown great application in Sri Lanka. He's [been] in some tough roles as well… I think he's well-adapted and ready to go. He's been waiting for a long time," he further expressed.

Australia entered The Ashes last time on the back of a high, defeating India in the World Test Championship 2023 final. However, this time they head to the Caribbean after a disappointing loss to South Africa. The Adelaide-born admitted the defeat was unfortunate but emphasized that the team will use the next couple of years to regroup and move forward with a stronger setup.

"It's unfortunate we put two years of hard work into one week and didn't quite go to plan. Fair play, the opposition played really, really well. We've got two more years to build and this is a first look at it. I think if you dwell on it for too long, or if you look back, you forget about what's moving forward. Of course we care and of course it's not ideal but at the end of the day you can't change it. You have to move on. You have to get back on the horse," the 31-year-old concluded.