Thursday, March, 20,2025

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Head opens up on comeback to Test side in 2021 following Allan Border Medal win

Melbourne : Australian opener Travis Head, who secured his first-ever Allan Border Medal on Monday opened up on his resurgence in international cricket back in 2021 after being dropped from the team and central contract list.
Opener Head and all-rounder Annabel Sutherland secured the top honours at the Australian Cricket Awards 2025, winning the Allan Border Medal and Belinda Clark Award for the Men's and Women's Cricketer of the Year respectively.
Head was Australia's top run-getter last year, with 1,399 runs in 29 matches and 35 innings at an average of 42.39, with four centuries and five fifties. His best score was 154*. In Tests, he scored 608 runs at an average of 40.53 in nine Tests and 15 innings, with three centuries and a fifty. His best score was 140. In ODIs, he made 252 runs in five matches at an average of 63.00 and a strike rate of 120.00, with best score of 154*. In 15 T20Is, he scored 539 runs at an average of 38.50 and a strike rate of 178.47, with four fifties in 15 innings and best score of 80. He rose to the number one position in the ICC Men's T20I Rankings as well.
Head's journey towards this consistency was not an easy one. For the first four years of his career, Head was considered a raw, hard-hitting talent with immense potential, but could not convert it into consistent performances. Despite being appointed as South Australia's captain in 2015 and being drafted to Aussie white-ball sides a year later, Head took his time in finding his footing in the international game.
That resulted in plenty of frustration for Head and his fans alike and he was left out of the central contract list after a disappointing home Test series against India, in which he scored just 62 runs in three innings during two matches and struggled against Indian pace. In his first 19 Tests, he averaged 39.76, scoring 1,153 runs in 31 innings with two centuries and seven fifties at a strike rate of almost 50.
After that, a forgettable stint with Sussex in County Cricket followed, in which he scored just 183 runs in 11 innings, searching for a perfect template for his game. During his final knock in the county tenure, Head simply decided to slog and come hard at everything served to him, scoring 49 in 46 balls. This was when the left-hander found his answer: Backing his strengths and instincts without worrying too much about consequences.
A memorable return to the Aussie cricket scene followed for this promising batter, having earned the 2022 State Player of the Year award for South Australia. His scoring rate was on an uptick, as he scored 440 runs in six matches and 10 innings at an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of 72.84 during Sheffield Shield 2021-22. He also scored two centuries and a fifty.
Head's breakthrough innings was a 152-run knock in just 148 balls against England at Brisbane during the Ashes, which helped him get the Australian Men's Test Player of the Year prize. He top-scored in the Ashes series win at home, with 357 runs at an average of 59.50 and an incredible strike rate of 86.50, with two centuries and a fifty to his name.
Since then, Head has not looked back. He has scored title-winning centuries for his country during the ICC World Test Championship and ICC Cricket World Cup finals against India in 2023, becoming a villain-like figure among Indian fans who would spoil the Men in Blue's happy run in an ICC tournament effortlessly. He went on to become his side's go-to man in crisis situations.
While his white-ball game was not always a problem and he delivered gems every now and then, he took things to the next level in Tests, scoring 2,525 runs in 36 Tests since his return to the side in 2021, at an average of 45.09 and a strike rate of 81.32, with seven tons and 11 fifties to his name in 60 innings and best score of 175.
Speaking about his return to the side in 2021, Head said as quoted by cricket.com.au, "Coming home (from Sussex) and realising I needed to pull my finger out to be a chance to get back to Brisbane in the first Test, it fell into place."
"I played well in a couple of games leading up to that series, and was able to get myself into the squad and that is sometimes half the battle. Then once I was there and found out I was playing, it was just 'alright, let's have a crack at it and see how it goes'."
"It quite easily could have been one more series, then back to South Australia. I understood that, and I was fine with that - if it was 25 Tests and done, at least I gave it a crack. So I am very pleased that it worked that day, and then very pleased with how consistent I have been at it. There is a lot of moments throughout the period where it could have gone either way," he concluded his point.
Head admitted being given the captaincy of his state team at a young age of 22 led to him being "grown up too early" and now he is displaying his youthful side in his batting and celebrations after gaining more comfort and confidence.
"I might have grown up too early, so I might be winding the clock back in the last few years. Definitely, I am more relaxed, and I have been more me," he said.
"I have spoken a lot about being a young captain and wanting to impress and earn respect within the group and, doing that at a young age, I was still myself but probably was withdrawn and always had a fear of missing out."
"I just did not know where I stood and wanted everyone to like me. In the last three or four years, I understand that is not going to be the case. I am not going to please everyone, I am not going to keep everyone happy but it has also made me who I am and I have definitely enjoyed myself over the last three or four years in this cricket team."
"One thing I have been able to bring into the team is, I hope, everyone has a laugh now and then and enjoys my company. They are not always going to, I know that but I think I am just more relaxed over the last three or four years, that has transpired into my game and that has transpired into to my family life as well.
"A growing family (with wife Jess and children Milla and Harrison) has been amazing and, in the same breath, playing really good cricket. So work is good and family is good - it is a nice place to be," he concluded.

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Daily Astro

20-03-2025

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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20-03-2025