Cricket

Travis Head hits back at critics ‘putting a bullet’ through the team

October 7, 2026

Travis Head has fired back at high-profile critics, including former Australia greats Matthew Hayden and Allan Border, who have questioned the current Test squad’s selection and strategy. Head, the opener for Australia’s side set to face South Africa in Durban starting Friday, dismissed the criticism as unfair, noting that some former players may feel compelled to comment due to job pressures.

He defended the team’s strength, particularly the recall of Nic Maddinson—a veteran last seen in Test cricket nearly a decade ago—who joins the squad after injuries to Josh Inglis and Cameron Green. Hayden’s recent remarks, made in a podcast, called the selectors’ choices a ‘greatest pile of mediocrity,’ while Border suggested Head might struggle as an opener against South Africa’s bowling and could be better suited batting at number five.

Head countered by praising Maddinson’s experience, arguing that mature, tested players like those from Australia’s dominant era were key to sustained success. Despite the respect he holds for the critics, Head framed their feedback as an unfortunate but inevitable part of the game’s culture.