Last Updated on 2 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Travis Head fractures hand; in doubt for World Cup | Travis Head suffers fractured hand in South Africa ODI
Australia all-rounder Travis Head has suffered a fractured hand, putting his participation in the upcoming World Cup in doubt. Head suffered the injury during the seventh over of Australia’s mammoth and unsuccessful run chase off 417, where he was struck on the left glove by a delivery from Gerald Coetzee.
After receiving medical attention, the left-hander went on to face another three deliveries before walking off the field in visible pain and discomfort.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirms Travis Head has a fractured hand
Speaking to the media post-match, coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the news. He said there is a fracture, but Head will be assessed with further scans on Saturday.
“At this stage, it‘s a confirmed fracture and how long that time frame is, we’re yet to determine that, so fingers crossed clearly with the World Cup fast approaching,” McDonald said.
“I‘m not a medical person, but I think it’s a little bit higher up than the actual (index) finger itself. But I don’t know the actual terminology. It’s in a joint somewhere, so I won’t go into the medical specifics.
“A confirmed fracture and to be assessed again tomorrow with another scan.”
Travis Head has been excellent for Australia over the past couple of years. Since the start of 2022, Head has struck 791 runs at an average of 60.8 and strike rate 119.8 in ODIs.
His injury is another worry for Australia ahead of the World Cup. He joins Glenn Maxwell (ankle), Cameron Green (concussion), Pat Cummins (shoulder), Steve Smith (wrist), Mitchell Starc (groin) and Ashton Agar (soreness) on the injury list. If Head is indeed ruled out, Mitchell Marsh will likely move to opener, with Marnus Labuschagne to be drafted into the squad.
In some better news, Steve Smith recently shared a positive update and Cameron Green is expected to be available for the fifth ODI.
“He‘s [Cameron Green] been cleared by the medical team,” McDonald said.
”So he’s just working away getting prepared. Hopefully, he’s available for game five. That’s the plan at this stage. We’ll be able to have some training tomorrow, assess that and there will be some forced changes and we’ll have some guys potentially a little bit sore. We’ll have to manage those guys as well.”
The fifth and final ODI against South Africa will be at Johannesburg on Sunday. Australia, who led 2-0, will be aiming to bounce back and seal the series after copping an Heinrich Klaasen-led 164-run battering at Centurion on Friday.
