Travis Head Released From Australia T20I Squad For Ashes Red-Ball Preparation

Australia's Travis Head has been released from the T20I squad against India to focus on red-ball cricket preparation for the upcoming Ashes series, opting to play in the Sheffield Shield for South Australia. Head's recent T20I form was underwhelming, with a top score of 31 runs and a series of low scores, prompting Cricket Australia to prioritize his recovery of form and confidence ahead of the Test matches. He will face Tasmania in Hobart in what will be his first first-class match since July, joining other key players like Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc who are also preparing for the Ashes through Shield cricket. The T20I series against India remains evenly poised at 1-1, with two matches remaining, but Australia's focus appears to be shifting toward the Test series starting November 21. Meanwhile, legspinner Tanveer Sangha and quick bowler Sean Abbott have also been released from the T20 squad to play in domestic competitions, emphasizing the team's strategic prioritization of Test cricket. Ben Dwarshuis has been recalled to the T20 squad for the final two matches, filling the gap left by these players.