Head ready to resume with Strikers

Head, 26, helped Australia to Test series sweeps over Pakistan and then New Zealand, scoring a half-century in Perth followed by an impressive 114 in the Boxing Day Test against the Kiwis at the MCG.

The left-handed batsman confirmed he’ll be available for Sunday’s blockbuster at Adelaide Oval against reigning champions the Melbourne Renegades in what looms as his first outing of BBL|09.

Head said he was eager to perform well in front of his home fans.

“It’s nice to be home. It’s been a very busy few weeks,” Head said on arriving back in Adelaide on Tuesday.

“I’m very nervous about it, to be honest… but it’s a good nervous energy.

“They’re (the Strikers) playing extremely well and I’ve been watching closely.

“I’ve got some big shoes to fill. Obviously Kez (Alex Carey) has been fantastic and it’s probably nice that we do a straight swap so the continuity is there, I come in and he goes to India (for Australia’s ODI tour).

“It’s going to be quite easy to get up for 40,000 people with Adelaide Oval pumping.”

Head has now consolidated his spot in the national Test team but was again overlooked for Australia’s ODI tour of India.

Carey was the only Striker selected in the touring squad, with the wicketkeeper-batsman set to depart after Wednesday night’s clash with the Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval.

Head hasn’t played an international limited-overs match since November of 2018 despite hitting 10 half-centuries and one ton from 42 ODIs for Australia.

“I want to play all three formats,” Head said.

“It’s a really important time for me wanting to get back into the one-day frame or getting into the white-ball frame of things.

“I’ve got seven games and some finals hopefully with the Strikers to show that I’ve still got it and that I can perform and do it really well.”