Travis Head https://www.cricketwinner.com Travis Head Wed, 24 Dec 2025 20:22:51 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en Copyright © 2024 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved. <![CDATA[Top 5 players to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2026]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/top-5-players-to-watch-out-for-in-t20-world-cup-2026/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/top-5-players-to-watch-out-for-in-t20-world-cup-2026/ Wed, 24 Dec 2025 14:05:11 GMT

The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will begin on February 07 and run for almost one month, giving a massive excitement to the fans across the globe. The marquee event will be played by 20 sides this time, who are divided into four groups. This edition of the competition will be about the players and how they capture the attention.

With India hosting the tournament, there is anticipation of many sixes and boundaries from the players, who have expectations on their shoulders. The spinners will also have a key role to play in the event on the dry and spinning surfaces.

A look at the top 5 players to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2026

1.   Travis Head (Australia)

Australia’s aggressive left-handed opening batter of the shortest format, Travis Head, finished the previous season of the T20 World Cup as the third leading run-getter. The southpaw clubbed 255 runs in seven innings at an average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 158.33 with the help of two half-centuries at the best score of 76 runs.

Head, who has amassed an overall 1197 runs in 45 innings of the shortest format at an average of nearly 30 and a strike rate of 156.67 with the help of five half-centuries at the best score of 91, was in superb touch even during their previous Caribbean trip. He can use his Indian Premier League (IPL) experience to earn success in the T20 World Cup 2026.

2.   Hardik Pandya (India)

For India to do well, the eyes will always be on Hardik Pandya for the Indian side to get the best balance in the eleven. He can bat in the lower middle order of the innings, besides providing them with at least three overs in various parts of the innings. Last year, Hardik collected 144 runs in six innings of the T20 World Cup 2024 at a strike rate of 151.57 and picked up 11 wickets.

See Also: England face another massive setback ahead of 4th Ashes 2025/26 Boxing Day Test

Hardik recently became the first Indian player to celebrate the double of 2000 runs and 100 wickets in the shortest format. In the home World Cup, the Baroda player’s presence will be key for India, putting the strongest playing eleven and defending their title.

3.   Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

The premier leg spinner and the Afghanistan T20I captain, Rashid Khan, was in superb touch during the previous season of the T20 World Cup. He collected 14 wickets in eight innings at an average of 12.78 and a strike rate of 12.42 with an economy rate of just over six. He can use his variations and IPL experience to collect many wickets for the success of his team.

Rashid Khan is the leading wicket-taker in the shortest format. The 27-year-old has picked up 182 wickets in 108 innings at an average of under 14 and a strike rate of 13.52 with an economy rate of just 6.97, thanks to nine four-wicket and two five-wicket hauls at the best figures of 5/3.

4.   Abhishek Sharma (India)

Since the beginning of 2024, India’s left-handed batter, Abhishek Sharma, has been India’s leading run-getter in the shortest format. The southpaw has collected 1115 runs in 32 innings at an average of 35.96 and a strike rate of 188.02 with the help of six half-centuries and two centuries at the best score of 135 runs.

Abhishek is anticipated to open the batting with wicket-keeper batter, Sanju Samson, and he will have to take the responsibility for them getting aggressive starts with the bat inside the first six overs of the innings. He was also in superb touch during the Asia Cup 2025 with 314 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 200.

5.   Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)

Pakistan’s experienced left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, was in decent form during the last T20 World Cup. However, he could pick only five wickets in four innings at an average of 21 and a strike rate of 14.40 with an economy rate of just over six, thanks to the bowling figures of 3/22.

Afridi has overall collected 126 wickets in 96 innings of the T20Is at an average of 21.26 and a strike rate of 16.5 with an economy rate of 7.71. In Sri Lanka’s condition, he will be a key member to pick up wickets with the new ball.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Who are the top players to watch in the T20 World Cup 2026?

 

The T20 World Cup 2026 will feature match-winners like Travis Head, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Abhishek Sharma, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. These players bring a mix of power-hitting, all-round skills, and wicket-taking ability, making them key attractions of the tournament.

 

Why is Travis Head considered a dangerous T20 batter?

 

Travis Head is known for his explosive starts and high strike rate in the powerplay. His aggressive batting can shift momentum early, putting bowlers under pressure from the first over.

 

How important is Hardik Pandya for India in T20 World Cup 2026?

 

Hardik Pandya provides balance with his finishing skills and seam bowling. His experience in pressure situations makes him a crucial all-rounder for India’s World Cup campaign.

 

What makes Rashid Khan a game-changer in T20 cricket?

 

Rashid Khan’s leg-spin, control, and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs make him one of the most impactful bowlers in T20 cricket, especially on slower pitches.

 

Why is Abhishek Sharma a player to watch in the 2026 World Cup?

 

Abhishek Sharma’s fearless batting and ability to score quickly at the top make him a valuable asset in high-scoring T20 matches.

 

How can Shaheen Shah Afridi influence matches in T20 World Cup 2026?

 

Shaheen Afridi’s pace and swing with the new ball allow him to take early wickets, giving his team a strong advantage in crucial matches.

 

 

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<![CDATA[Ashes 4th Test: Australia pick new squad with big changes]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/ashes-4th-test-australia-pick-new-squad-with-big-changes/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/ashes-4th-test-australia-pick-new-squad-with-big-changes/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:32:19 GMT

Australia has made significant changes to their squad ahead of the Boxing Day Test against England in the 2025-26 Ashes series. Steve Smith will captain the team, filling in for Pat Cummins, who will not play due to workload management, and Nathan Lyon is unavailable because of injury (hamstring). As Australia has already retained the Ashes, the selectors were able to concentrate more on player fitness and balance going into the final stages of this series.
Pat Cummins was omitted as a "precaution" due to back problems that have been affecting him recently. Although he played in the 3rd Test at Adelaide, the team management opted not to take the risk of putting him under further strain. Similarly, Nathan Lyon will not play again in this series following a hamstring injury sustained during their last match. Reports say that Lyon will have to have surgery and will miss a significant amount of time from competitive cricket.

Australia has boosted their pace attack due to the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood by bringing back fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who is fully fit after getting cleared by his medical team. Todd Murphy has also been selected to provide off-spin cover in place of Matthew Kuhnemann and Corey Rocchiccioli based upon the strength of his performance in the Tests and being able to replicate the right-handed off-spin of Nathan Lyon.

Also Read: BBL 2025-26 Match 10: STR vs STA head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

Richardson and Murphy Return as Australia Focus on Depth

Todd Murphy, who recently made his Test debut, has taken 22 wickets in just seven Tests at an excellent average. His calmness and consistency have made the selectors feel confident about using him as the replacement for Nathan Lyon through the Melbourne Test because of Murphy's past experience performing well in difficult conditions.

The return of Jhye Richardson is yet another positive for the Australians, as the quick has taken 11 wickets for the Test matches he has played (3) with an excellent average. His pace and control provide additional variety to the bowling unit while also providing much-needed support to both Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.

Australia will be captained by Steve Smith in the Boxing Day Test, his third time captaining Australia during this Ashes series, having missed the Adelaide Test due to illness. Smith has returned to form and fitness and joins a team that includes Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Alex Carey, thus ensuring that Australia will have a very strong and well-balanced team for the all-important Melbourne Test.

Australia squad for fourth Test of Ashes 2025-26

Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

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<![CDATA[Watch: Travis Head celebrates fourth successive century in Adelaide during 3rd Ashes 2025/26 Test]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-travis-head-celebrates-fourth-successive-century-in-adelaide-during-3rd-ashes-2025-26-test/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-travis-head-celebrates-fourth-successive-century-in-adelaide-during-3rd-ashes-2025-26-test/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:00:59 GMT

Travis Head started the Ashes 2025/26 on fire with a fine century against England in the opening clash at the Optus Stadium in Perth, which saw the hosts claim the victory inside two days. Back at the Adelaide Oval for the third contest of the series, Head hoped to impress with another such feat, but he failed in the first innings.

The beauty of the Test matches is about getting a chance in the second innings, and Travis Head didn’t waste it this time around. The southpaw creamed his way to near the century and found himself on 99. He played seven dot balls against Joe Root and Jofra Archer before flashing hard to the fifth stump delivery, where Harry Brook dropped him to offer the second life.

See Also: “The simple things…”- Ishan Kishan reveals story of taking inspiration from this movie for SMAT 2025/26 heroics

That was enough for the South Australian, who used his feet and cracked a nice straight boundary against Root to complete his 11th century in the red-ball format. The crowd erupted in joy to see their home boy rising to the occasion as Head put his name among the greatest of the country.

Travis Head notches up his fourth successive Test century in Adelaide

Head has now joined four other players to celebrate four successive centuries at a single venue. The list starts with Don Bradman smashing four successive centuries in Melbourne between 1928 and 1932. England’s Wally Hammond got four consecutive centuries in Sydney between 1928 and 1936.

Watch the video here: 

On the other hand, Michael Clarke also celebrated the same feat in Adelaide between 2012 and 2014, while Steve Smith got the name in the record book between 2014 and 2017 at the MCG. Head has now scored four successive centuries in Adelaide Tests against West Indies in 2022, another one against them in 2024, India in 2024, and in this Ashes clash.

Australia, having bundled out England for 286 in the first innings, has already stretched its lead over 300 runs in the third innings, and may look to take the score over 500 to put the opposition totally out of the clash.

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<![CDATA[Watch: Brydon Carse dismisses Travis Head for 33 during second D/N Ashes 2025/26 Test]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-brydon-carse-dismisses-travis-head-for-33-during-second-d-n-ashes-2025-26-test/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-brydon-carse-dismisses-travis-head-for-33-during-second-d-n-ashes-2025-26-test/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:24:10 GMT

In reply of Australia’s 334 runs in the first innings during the second day-night Test of the Ashes 2025/26 at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia went off to a flying start with the bat, thanks to the 77-run opening partnership in 13 overs between Jake Weatherald and Travis Head, both of whom went hard against the new ball bowling of the visiting side.

Jofra Archer found the outside edge of Travis Head a bit earlier before his actual dismissal, when the southpaw was squared up while his feet were in the air. But unfortunately, the wicket-keeper, Jamie Smith, was not able to reflect the bounce of the surface and grab the catch as Head got an early life.

See Also: Watch: Matthew Hayden breaks silence on Joe Root’s maiden Test century in Australia during Ashes 2025/26

However, on the first ball of the 14th over, Brydon Carse stormed back in style as he pitched the ball up towards the batter. Head looked to flick the ball with full power, but his bat twisted in his hands as he ended up getting it off the cue and towards the mid-on fielder. Gus Atkinson grabbed a fine catch to send the batter back for 33 runs.

Watch: Brydon Carse sends back Travis Head for 33 during 2nd D/N Ashes 2025/26

Head was incredibly disappointed with the shot because it was not a great delivery, and it was on his pads and could have been smashed anywhere in the field. But the moment he mishit it, he didn’t even bother to wait for the catch to take place, as the ball seemed away a little to get the top of his blade.

Marnus Labuschagne, who is the leading run-getter in the day-night Tests with 958 runs in 15 innings at an average of 63.87 with the help of four half-centuries and one century at the best score of 163, started well for his six runs in the first 15 balls.

Earlier, Joe Root’s unbeaten knock of 138 runs, along with opening batter Zak Crawley’s 76 runs in 93 balls at a strike rate of 81.72 with the help of 11 boundaries, and Archer’s 38 runs, propelled the England side to 334 runs in the first innings.

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<![CDATA[Travis Head to join Pakistan Super League after 8 years: Report]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/travis-head-to-join-pakistan-super-league-after-8-years-report/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/travis-head-to-join-pakistan-super-league-after-8-years-report/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:53:44 GMT

A big claim regarding the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). It is claimed on the social media platform 'X' that Travis Head can be in the next season of PSL. 

After a lot of drama, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly about to take multiple significant steps to take the Pakistan Super League to the next level. Multiple big names of international cricket, including Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali, are all set to feature in PSL. Along with them, if Travis Head joins the franchise league, then it will be a big boost for the league. 

Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, or David Warner—all the names are huge in international cricket, but all of them are well past their prime days. Head, the Australian top-order batter who can bat in multiple positions according to the situation, is still active as one of the most dangerous batters of the game. According to claims, the batter can join the Pakistan Super League after 8 long years. Though, there is no official confirmation neither from the player nor from the league officials. 

Read More: Star RCB player celebrates cracking century in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26

Travis Head to play in Pakistan Super League (PSL)?

Travis Head and Team Australia are now engaged for the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 tournament against England. The first match of the 5-match Test series was won by Australia, thanks to an authoritative century by Travis Head. In the second innings of the first Test in Perth, Head played a 123-run innings for a winning cause. The pitch was tough for the batters, but Head's attacking batting comfortably pulled the Australia cricket team out of danger and confirmed a vital win. 

In 2025, the batter featured in only one franchise league, which was the Indian Premier League. He played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 13 matches to score 374 runs at an average of 31.16, powered by the highest score of 76. He is confirmed to play IPL 2026 for the same team, as SRH has retained the swashbuckling batter ahead of the mini auction. 

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<![CDATA[5 records made by Travis Head during breathtaking hundred in AUS vs ENG Ashes 2025-26 1st Test in Perth]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/5-records-made-by-travis-head-during-breathtaking-hundred-in-aus-vs-eng-ashes-2025-26-1st-test-in-perth/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/5-records-made-by-travis-head-during-breathtaking-hundred-in-aus-vs-eng-ashes-2025-26-1st-test-in-perth/ Sat, 22 Nov 2025 23:17:35 GMT

Travis Head has a reputation for changing the tempo of a match within a handful of overs. But on a fiery Perth surface in the opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series, he unleashed arguably the most destructive knock of his career. Facing a tricky target of 205 after Australia were rattled by Ben Stokes’ spell earlier in the match, Head walked out to open and simply tore England apart.

The left-hander smashed 123 runs from just 83 balls, peppering the boundaries with 16 fours and four sixes, and turned what could have been a tense chase into a statement victory. Australia romped home by eight wickets inside two days, a rare instance of Ashes carnage finishing before the weekend truly began.

Along the way, Head not only thrilled the Perth crowd but also rewrote several chapters of cricket’s record books. Here are the five milestone achievements from his unforgettable century.

1 Second-fastest century in Ashes history

Head needed only 69 balls to reach his hundred, placing him among the absolute best in 147 years of Ashes rivalry. The only name ahead of him? The legendary Adam Gilchrist, who smashed a 57-ball hundred at the very same venue back in 2006.

Gilchrist ended unbeaten on 102 from 59 deliveries that day, a knock that still lives in Ashes folklore. Head’s innings now joins that elite stratosphere, highlighting the modern Australian approach of fearless, counterattacking cricket when the pressure is on.

2 Fastest fourth-innings hundred in Test cricket

Chasing in Test matches is a mental test, the scoreboard pressure, fielders around the bat, every mistake magnified. But Head made the fourth innings look like a Saturday afternoon net session.

He broke a 122-year-old record, surpassing Gilbert Jessop, whose 76-ball hundred at The Oval in 1902 had stood untouched for generations. Head’s strike-first intent turned a competitive chase into a sprint and left England with no time to react or reset their plans.

3 Joint-fastest Test hundred by an opening batter

Head’s attacking instincts have transformed him into a dynamic Test opener. With his 69-ball ton, he now shares the fastest century by a Test opener with another Australian power-hitter: David Warner - 69 balls vs India, Perth, 2012

Warner went big in that innings with 180. Head matched the speed and nearly matched the punch, proof that Perth continues to be a playground for Aussie stroke makers.

ALSO SEE: Taijul Islam breaks Shakib Al Hasan's all-time Test record for Bangladesh

4 Highest strike rate ever in a successful Test run chase

Head played like he was chasing a T20 total, not one set by arch-rivals England in the Ashes. His 123 off 83 balls came at a staggering 148.19 strike rate, now the all-time highest while successfully chasing in Tests.

He overtook England’s Jonny Bairstow, who set the previous record with a 147.82 strike rate while hunting down 299 against New Zealand in 2022. This was pure domination, England bowled short, full, wide, straight… but nothing slowed him down.

5 Joint third-fastest century by an Australian in Test cricket

Australia has produced some of the most aggressive batters in Test history - Gilchrist, Warner, Hayden… and now Head comfortably sits among those giants.

Fastest hundreds by Australians in Tests:

  1. Adam Gilchrist - 57 balls (2006 vs England)
  2. JM Gregory - 67 balls (1921 vs South Africa)
  3. Travis Head - 69 balls (2025 vs England)
    David Warner - 69 balls (2012 vs India)

For Head to be tied on that list shows just how much of a game-breaker he has become.

A knock that defines a modern Ashes era

This innings wasn’t just about records, it was a statement:

  • England had sniffed a famous win after Stokes’ fiery spell
  • The pitch was lively and the match finely poised
  • Head turned pressure into fireworks

In less than 29 overs, Australia sealed an eight-wicket win in a Test that lasted barely two days, a rarity in Ashes history.

The Travis Head effect

Head has made a habit of producing match-turning centuries at high tempo, his Ashes hundred at Brisbane in 2021 being another example. But this one felt definitive, a declaration that in this rivalry, Australia have a new tone-setter. If this is how the series has begun, England’s bowlers could be in for a long, or perhaps very short, few weeks.

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<![CDATA[Watch: “Oh come on!!...”- Travis Head makes cheeky reply to Steve Smith post 1st Ashes 2025/26 Test victory]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-oh-come-on-travis-head-makes-cheeky-reply-to-steve-smith-post-1st-ashes-2025-26-test-victory/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-oh-come-on-travis-head-makes-cheeky-reply-to-steve-smith-post-1st-ashes-2025-26-test-victory/ Sat, 22 Nov 2025 22:04:29 GMT

Travis Head was excellent with the bat, coming into the opening position during the fourth innings of the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth as Australia were aiming to cross the winning line by getting 205 runs. He got the chance to open after the left-handed regular opener, Usman Khawaja, got back spasms. 

Travis Head smashed a fine knock of 123 runs in 83 balls at a strike rate of 148.19 with the help of 16 boundaries and four sixes. He had a massive partnership of 117 runs for the second wicket in 92 balls with Marnus Labuschagne, who remained unbeaten on 51 runs in 49 balls at a strike rate of 104.08 with the help of six boundaries and one six as they completed the chase in 28.2 overs.

See Also: Know updated WTC 2025-27 points table post Australia’s victory in 1st Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth

“This wicket- it kind of gets better, I think, at the end of day two. It was probably at its best for the game this late this evening. We saw that probably last year.”- Steve Smith, Australia’s stand-in captain, reckoned in the press conference to which Head went ‘Oh come on, mate!!’

Watch: Travis Head’s cheeky reply to Steve Smith post 1st Ashes 2025/26 Test win

England were bundled out for 172 runs in the first innings, thanks to the half-century knock from Harry Brook, while Ollie Pope smashed a fine 46-run knock. Australia ended with a low 132 score in the first innings as the visitors’ bowlers went hard at the home side, with Ben Stokes picking 5/23 in six overs.

England notched up 164 runs in their second innings. At one point, they were 65/1 and ended up losing their nine wickets for 99 runs, with Scott Boland ending with figures of 4/33 in 11.4 overs while Mitchell Starc and Brendan Doggett shared six wickets between them.

“I was happy to do it. It doesn’t bother me too much. We’d spoken about it - we know what England’s short-ball plans look like, we saw plenty of it in 2023. The coaching staff and Patty (Cummins) had a few ideas, and this was one of them.” Head was told in the post-match presentation.

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<![CDATA["We're a little bit shellshocked ..." - Ben Stokes hails Travis Head for his blistering knock in the Ashes 2025-26 1st Test]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/we-re-a-little-bit-shellshocked-ben-stokes-hails-travis-head-for-his-blistering-knock-in-the-ashes-2025-26-1st-test/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/we-re-a-little-bit-shellshocked-ben-stokes-hails-travis-head-for-his-blistering-knock-in-the-ashes-2025-26-1st-test/ Sat, 22 Nov 2025 21:10:50 GMT

England captain Ben Stokes conceded that his side were left completely “shellshocked” by Travis Head’s breathtaking knock, which powered Australia to a dominant eight-wicket victory in the opening Ashes Test in Perth. The match finished inside two days, as Australia rose above the early chaos and seized control with ruthless efficiency.

Boland’s burst and Head’s fireworks leave England stunned

England looked well placed at lunch on Day 2, having reached 65 for 1 with a lead approaching 100 runs. But their promising position evaporated within minutes. A dramatic collapse, four wickets tumbling for just 11 runs, handed Australia all the momentum. Scott Boland’s sharp burst ignited the turnaround, and although England’s lower-order fought to post 205, it was nowhere near enough once Head walked out.

With Usman Khawaja unavailable, the decision to promote Head to the top proved a masterstroke. The left-hander launched a fierce counter-attack, smashing 123 off just 83 balls in an innings packed with clean hitting and fearless intent. He single-handedly dismantled England’s plans and steered Australia to the target in only 28.2 overs.

ALSO SEE: India and Pakistan set to be in same group as ICC set to announce scehedule for T20 World Cup 2026

Speaking after the defeat, Stokes openly praised Australia’s match-winner. “That innings from Travis Head was pretty phenomenal,” he said. “It’s still very raw, but that knock really took the wind out of us. We tried different plans, but when someone’s going that hard, it’s tough to stop.”

England captain calls for quick reset ahead of crucial Brisbane Test

While critics pointed to England’s aggressive batting as a factor in their collapse, Stokes insisted the approach wasn’t the problem, execution was. “The players who took the game on found success,” he said. “Occupying the crease didn’t seem to work on this surface. On wickets like this, you never feel you have enough runs.”

Despite the disappointment, Stokes highlighted the positive impact of England’s five-man pace attack, which impressed during Australia’s first innings on a lively pitch that saw 19 wickets fall on Day 1. With a long break before the day-night Test in Brisbane starting December 4, England aim to regroup quickly.

“It hurts, obviously,” Stokes admitted. “But we’ve got four games left. We’ll let this sink in and then move on, we’ve got to hit the ground running in Brisbane.”

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<![CDATA[Twitter Reactions: Travis Head celebrates 50 during 1st Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/twitter-reactions-travis-head-celebrates-50-during-1st-ashes-2025-26-test-in-perth/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/twitter-reactions-travis-head-celebrates-50-during-1st-ashes-2025-26-test-in-perth/ Sat, 22 Nov 2025 14:34:21 GMT

With Australia chasing 205 runs during the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the management decided to send Travis Head to open the batting. The left-hander was in a different mood and started to take on the England pacers from the get-go. He clubbed Brydon Carse for a massive six over the slip for a massive six.

Travis Head leaned back and slashed hard to the same pacer to clear the third man for another six before using the pace of Mark Wood for another over boundary. He followed it up with another four and, in the blink of an eye, celebrated his fifty in just 36 balls. It was the third joint fastest fifty in the Ashes, with John Brown leading the chart in 33 balls.

See Also: Watch: Captains Palash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana lead respective sides in friendly cricket match as celebrations go viral

When Ben Stokes came into the attack, Head smashed him for four boundaries in the first five balls and took the game away from the England side. The visitors looked out of place and had no answer to tackle the southpaw.

Twitter Reactions: Travis Head celebrates record fifty in opening Ashes 2025/26 Test

Even with the introduction of Jofra Archer, it didn’t make any difference. The left-handed batter rose on one leg and got a boundary over mid-wicket before nailing another six straight down the ground against the short ball.

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<![CDATA[Sunrisers Hyderabad retained and released players list ahead of IPL 2026 auction]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sunrisers-hyderabad-retained-and-released-players-list-ahead-of-ipl-2026-auction/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/sunrisers-hyderabad-retained-and-released-players-list-ahead-of-ipl-2026-auction/ Sat, 15 Nov 2025 20:17:41 GMT

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has released their roster for the IPL 2026. The organization wants to continue their momentum from recent campaigns and solve their situations with inconsistency. The main core of players were kept, including senior leader Pat Cummins, explosive opener Abhishek Sharma and powerhouse batter Travis Head. All three players have been vital to the team, while contributing significantly both with the bat and in leadership roles at the top of the order.

Travis Head played 13 matches last season, making 374 runs at a good strike rate of 162.61. Abhishek Sharma was even better, scoring 439 runs in 14 matches at an average of 33.77 and a strike rate of 193.39. Along with Cummins, the trio gives SRH a strong mix of experience, confidence, and attacking cricket that they will bank upon once again in IPL 2026.

In a key trade-off, SRH exchanged fast bowler Mohammed Shami for Lucknow Super Giants. The SRH had bought Shami for ₹10 crore in the 2025 auction, but an off-form Shami went on to take just 6 wickets in 9 games while giving away too many runs. SRH also released two key spinners, Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar — in their list to restructure the bowling unit.

SRH Retentions, Releases and Auction Plans for IPL 2026

SRH have focused on keeping their strong batters and reliable all-rounders. They also kept main bowlers who fit well into their system. At the same time, they released players who did not have a big impact last season. The team is now looking forward to the mini-auction, where they can fill the remaining gaps.

With a strong group retained and Shami traded out, SRH now have a large purse of ₹25.5 crore entering the IPL 2026 mini-auction. This gives them the flexibility to target big names or fill multiple positions as needed.

See Also: Punjab Kings retained and released players list ahead of IPL 2026 auction

SRH Retained Players for IPL 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad have retained Pat Cummins as captain along with Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aniket Verma, R. Smaran, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga and Zeeshan Ansari.

SRH Released Players for IPL 2026

The released players include Adam Zampa, Rahul Chahar, Wiaan Mulder, Abhinav Manohar, Atharva Taide, Sachin Baby and Simarjeet Singh.

SRH Traded Players for IPL 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad have traded out Mohammed Shami to the Lucknow Super Giants.

SRH Auction Purse for IPL 2026 

SRH will enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a remaining purse of ₹25.5 crore.

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