Story perspectives

Travis Head Blames Pitch Conditions for Test Batting Drop

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 4:11 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Travis Head (Australia vice-captain) said the Test squad faces unfair criticism from former players.
He declined to name ex-players, calling the remarks a “sticky situation” linked to Justin Langer’s 2022 exit.
He said Test batting averages have dropped 20% since late 2010s, blaming harder wickets and drop-in pitches, not T20 cricket.
He urged the side to stay relaxed, echoing Pat Cummins (Australia captain) that a 3-0 loss won’t end the campaign.

History

Historical Context

England’s 2-1 victory in the 2005 Ashes—its first series win since 1986-87—ended an 18-year Australian hold on the urn and sparked intense scrutiny of pitches and batting. The following 5-0 Australian whitewash in 2006-07 prompted the retirements of Warne, Langer, Martyn and McGrath. Today, vice-captain Travis Head and captain Pat Cummins face similar criticism.

1 of 2

Story summary

Travis Head (Australia vice-captain) said the Test squad faces unfair criticism from former players.
He declined to name ex-players, calling the remarks a “sticky situation” linked to Justin Langer’s 2022 exit.
He said Test batting averages have dropped 20% since late 2010s, blaming harder wickets and drop-in pitches, not T20 cricket.
He urged the side to stay relaxed, echoing Pat Cummins (Australia captain) that a 3-0 loss won’t end the campaign.

1 / 2