Akshay Thakur - Monday, Nov 03, 2025IND vs AUS 4th T20I: Australian opener Travis Head has been ruled out of the final two T20 Internationals against India. Head wants to focus on his red-ball preparations ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.
The 31-year-old will play for Tasmania alongside Alex Carey in Australia's domestic tournament, the Sheffield Shield. The first Test between Australia and England will be played in Perth on November 21.
Head will return to first-class cricket in July. He played domestic cricket before the West Indies tour. Head has been struggling in limited-overs cricket for some time. Now, his goal will be to regain his form and perform well in the Ashes series.
Head is the third Australian player to withdraw from the T20 International series against India to prioritize red-ball cricket. Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott have already withdrawn. Hazlewood and Abbott will represent New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield.
New South Wales will face Victoria. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon will also bowl for New South Wales. According to a report by cricket.com.au, the selectors left the decision of whether to return to domestic cricket or continue playing the series against India to Head. Head decided to play the Shield match.
The report also stated that members of the Ashes squad will be seen playing in the Sheffield Shield matches. However, left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis has been included in the Australian squad for the last two T20 Internationals against India.
The fourth match of the series between India and Australia will be played on Thursday. The two teams are currently tied 1-1 in the series. The first match in Canberra was abandoned due to rain.
