Head backs Rohit’s decision to skip first Test

Perth, Nov 18: Australia batter Travis Head has extended his support to Rohit Sharma’s decision to skip the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be with his wife following the birth of their second child.

With Rohit unavailable, pace spearhead and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will captain the side. Head backed Rohit's priorities and said he would have done the same if he had been in the same situation. “Hundred per cent, I support Rohit's decision. I would have done the same in the same situation. "We sacrifice a lot of things as cricketers. While we live a privileged life, we miss important milestones in our personal lives. You don’t get that time back. Hopefully, he returns at some stage in this series,” Head said after the training session at Optus Stadium, Perth on Monday.

Rohit’s absence has left India without their regular captain for the crucial series opener. However, it is understood that Rohit would join the team either midway through the first Test or ahead of the second match in Adelaide, which will be played under lights with the pink ball.

Despite the setback of losing Rohit at the start of the series, Head warned against underestimating the Indian team. “If you look at our history, you would not rule out any Indian team. In the last two trips, they’ve had injuries and doubts, and people questioned them, but they pulled off incredible performances. Whoever they play, it’s going to be a strong team,” said Head, referring to India’s stunning series wins in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

India’s ability to rise to the occasion without key players has been a hallmark of their recent tours to Australia. The team management will be counting on players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja to step up, while youngsters like Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal could be crucial in the absence of their skipper.