Australia opener Travis Head accepts he could have his “work reduce out” in opposition to England’s pacemen because the Ashes rivals lock horns of their Champions Trophy opener on Saturday.
Head collected the participant of the one-day worldwide collection award when Australia edged England 3-2 final September, averaging practically 83 at a strike-rate in extra of 120 with the bat and claiming a four-for within the decider along with his under-rated off-spin.
However a buccaneering 154 not out within the first ODI was adopted by a trio of cameos all underneath 35 and he perished to England fast Brydon Carse on every event within the powerplay.
Whereas Carse, a hit-the-deck bowler who has troubled Head with shorter deliveries, is a slight doubt with a toe damage at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium this weekend, England have 90mph-plus choices in Mark Wooden and Jofra Archer and neither Saqib Mahmood nor Gus Atkinson are slouches on the pace gun.
Head, who impressed Australia to victory within the 2023 World Cup closing with a shocking century, is subsequently cautious about what he may come up in opposition to.
Travis Head
“I’m going to have my work reduce out for me with a few of that quick bowling England have gotten,” Australia’s vice-captain mentioned.
“They’re prime quality, extremely expert and excessive tempo. I’ve received to verify I begin nicely, earn the suitable, and see the place the sport takes us.
“I’m simply fearful about ensuring I begin nicely for the staff.
Australia are among the many favourites to go all the way in which though they are going to be with out captain Pat Cummins and fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, plus all-rounders Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis.
A number of onus falls on skilled quartet Steve Smith, who’s standing in as skipper for Cummins, plus Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell and Head as Australia tackle South Africa and Afghanistan after England of their group.
With solely two groups qualifying for the semi-finals, Head is conscious Australia can not afford to make a false begin much like the 2023 World Cup, after they misplaced their first two matches earlier than successful the subsequent 9 to carry the trophy.
“You don’t have the posh of a World Cup with lots of video games to work right into a event and navigate via and pinpoint video games that could be extra essential than others,” Head added.
“Right here it’s fairly cut-throat, it’s just about a knockout and also you’ve received to start out nicely, so little question that every one our consideration is on England proper now.”
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