Australia’s dynamic opening batter, Travis Head, has been granted an early release from the T20 International squad. His departure from the ongoing series against India, announced on Monday (November 3, 2025), is a strategic move to allow him to participate in the Sheffield Shield and intensify his preparations for the crucial Ashes Test series.
The 31-year-old left-handed batsman is set to join Alex Carey for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania, commencing November 10. This transition back to red-ball cricket is vital as he gears up for the opening Ashes Test, scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
This upcoming Shield fixture marks Head’s return to first-class cricket since his West Indies tour in July. His recent performance in white-ball formats has been somewhat subdued, with a highest score of 31 across eight T20I and ODI innings following an impressive 142 against South Africa in August.
Head’s decision makes him the third Australian T20I squad member to prioritize Test preparations for the demanding five-match series against England.
Fellow cricketers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott have also opted for a similar path, having played in the initial three T20 matches against India. They will now feature for New South Wales in an anticipated encounter against Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Interestingly, the national selectors gave Head the autonomy to choose between participating in the remaining T20Is against India or playing in the Sheffield Shield. He ultimately chose the domestic competition, underscoring the importance placed on Test readiness.
Further reports indicate that nearly every player expected to be part of Australia’s initial Ashes Test squad will be active in the upcoming round of Sheffield Shield matches, highlighting a concerted effort to fine-tune their red-ball skills.
Head previously showcased his readiness for Test cricket by playing in an early Sheffield Shield round before last summer’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer.
Meanwhile, the five-match T20I series between India and Australia remains finely poised at 1-1 after three thrilling encounters. The final two matches are scheduled for November 6 at Carrara and November 8 in Brisbane.