Australia’s opening batsman, Travis Head, has suffered a confirmed fracture in his left hand, casting doubts over his availability for the early stages of the World Cup. The injury occurred during the fourth ODI against South Africa at SuperSport Park. Head was struck by a short delivery from Gerald Coetzee when he was on 9 runs and facing his eighth ball. Despite receiving on-field treatment from the Australian medical staff, he could only face three more deliveries before retiring hurt due to the discomfort.
After being taken to the hospital for an x-ray, Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, confirmed the fracture. Additional scans are scheduled for Saturday to determine the extent of the injury and the expected recovery timeline. During the match, Head returned with his left hand in a splint.
McDonald stated post-match, “At this stage, it’s a confirmed fracture, and how long that timeframe is, we’re yet to determine that, so fingers crossed, clearly with the World Cup fast approaching.”
Australia’s chase of 417 runs suffered early setbacks, with Head being one of the initial casualties. He had made a strong start, hitting a six off Marco Jansen’s delivery before being hit on the hand. He immediately walked off the field after attempting a stroke and informing the umpires and South Africa’s stand-in captain, Aiden Markram, that he couldn’t continue. Australia eventually ended up being bowled out for 252, with Head not returning to bat.
This injury may raise the possibility of Marnus Labuschagne, who wasn’t part of Australia’s initial World Cup squad, making it into the final team. Labuschagne served as a concussion substitute in the first ODI and played pivotal innings in the subsequent matches.
Head’s injury adds to Australia’s growing list of concerns ahead of the World Cup. Players like Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Glenn Maxwell are recovering from various injuries and aiming to be fit for the upcoming ODI series against India before the World Cup. Ashton Agar had to leave the South Africa series early due to a calf strain and may return after the India series. Cameron Green is recovering from a concussion, while Mitchell Marsh is not expected to bowl in the final ODI due to ankle soreness, which he developed during the Ashes series.
With Head likely to miss Sunday’s game and possibly the start of the World Cup, Marsh is expected to open the innings, considering his recent form in India.
