Head hopes to get the nod for first Test

South Australian batsman Travis Head says playing the first Test against India in Adelaide would realise a lifelong dream.

Travis Head

Travis Head has a Test average of 30.5 after two matches and four innings for Australia. (AAP)

Travis Head isn't sure if his lifelong dream is about to become reality.

The Adelaide-born batsman has spent much of his life longing to play a Test match in his home city.

While coach Justin Langer has all but confirmed Head's desire will be realised against India in the first Test starting Thursday at Adelaide Oval, the left-hander isn't taking his selection for granted.

"I'm not sure," Head said on Sunday.

"Get through the next couple of days, get through training, train well, prepare well, prepare to play, hopefully get a nod and just be ready to perform."

Head, who played his two Tests against Pakistan in October, is among seven batsmen in Australia's squad for the series-opener.

Langer has said the last batting berth to be settled is between opener Marcus Harris and middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb, seemingly assuring Head of a home Test.

But the South Australian captain said having seven batsmen in the squad had him on edge.

"You're always on your toes playing for Australia, you have got to be performing," he said.

"There's a lot spots on offer and there's a lot of guys competing for them.

"I think it makes for a strong Australian cricket team ... so it's exciting to be in that group of players vying for that spot."

Head grew up in the township of Gawler, about 40km north of Adelaide, and said he dreamt of playing an Adelaide Test as a kid.

"Now I want to have that experience ... I'm pretty lucky and fortunate that the first one (Test of the series) is in Adelaide," he said.

"Hopefully I get a go. There's nothing better than playing in your home town and with home support.

"I have had that opportunity with Australia (in one-dayers) and I have had that opportunity in Big Bash, to play in front of big crowds in your home state is pretty special."


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Source: AAP


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