Australian batsman Travis Head has described meeting supporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday as "the least we can do" after the Boxing Day Ashes Test concluded in just two days on a heavily grassed and controversial pitch.
Unusual finish prompts fan engagement
Record crowds filled the iconic MCG on Friday and Saturday, only to witness one of the shortest Ashes matches in recent history. Twenty wickets tumbled on the first day, and Australia's batting struggles continued into Saturday morning, allowing England to secure their first Test victory on Australian soil since January 2011.
Following the abrupt finish, similar to the two-day Perth Test earlier in the summer, food intended for sale at the match was donated to a charity partner to help feed people experiencing homelessness.
Cricket Australia explored options for additional content, with MCC chief executive Stuart Fox revealing discussions about a potential exhibition match. "There were alternatives discussed," Fox said on Sunday. While a player 'hit-out' did not eventuate, CA organised a live fan site at Yarra Park.
Head's personal silver lining
Thousands of fans attended to get photos and autographs from the Australian team. When asked about playing a one-day exhibition against England, a smiling Head quipped, "I'm not playing these guys in a one-dayer — no chance."
He reflected on the unusual schedule, noting the team now had extra time to plan for the Sydney Test and a break in Noosa. In a lighter moment, Head checked his watch and shared a personal upside: "It's my birthday tomorrow so it's nice to be off on a birthday for once."
The soon-to-be 32-year-old said he would have preferred to be playing and winning, but valued the chance to give back. "But it's the least we can do," Head stated.
Head backs under-fire opening partner
On cricketing matters, Travis Head publicly supported his new Test opening partner, Jake Weatherald, who has endured a challenging start to his international career during this series.
Weatherald has averaged 20.85 across eight innings, with three single-figure scores and one half-century on what Head called "challenging" wickets. "He showed a lot of glimpses over his first four Tests, and it's not always going to go your way," Head said of his fellow South Australian.
Head pointed out that many great batters have initially struggled, making it a tough introduction. "But I think he's a good enough player to play international cricket," he asserted.
Notably, Weatherald has been dismissed in seven different ways by England's bowlers. Head saw this as a positive, indicating no clear technical flaw. "The runs haven't been there in the last couple of Tests, but he played a crucial innings for us in Brisbane," Head said, emphasising the importance of series-defining moments.
Selection pressure builds for Sydney
Despite his lean run, Weatherald is expected to retain his spot for the fifth and final Test at the SCG, beginning on January 4. However, he is among several players under scrutiny.
Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green have also faced difficulties with the bat, while veteran Usman Khawaja – who batted at number five in Adelaide and Melbourne – is widely tipped to retire from Test cricket.
Australia holds an unassailable 3-1 series lead heading into the Sydney finale, allowing some room for experimentation and patience with developing players as they look to build towards future campaigns.
