Australian batsman Travis Head has emphatically rejected the notion of playing in a proposed exhibition match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), following the astonishing conclusion of the Boxing Day Test in just two days.
Fans Left Shortchanged as Test Finishes Prematurely
The second Test of the Ashes series concluded on Saturday, a mere two days after it began, leaving thousands of ticket holders for days three and four with no play to watch. The match saw a remarkable 36 wickets fall in just 141 overs, with England securing a dramatic four-wicket victory. This marked the first time in 104 years that a Test match in Australia has finished inside two days, a feat now witnessed twice in a month after the Perth Test also ended in record time.
The premature finish has hit Cricket Australia's finances hard, with the governing body reportedly facing over $10 million in losses due to refunds for tickets and lost broadcasting revenue. In an attempt to salvage the situation for disappointed fans, Cricket Australia and Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) chief Stuart Fox discussed staging an impromptu exhibition match on the Sunday.
'No Chance' of a One-Day Knock, Says Head
However, the plan failed to materialise. Instead, the Australian team, including captain Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Michael Neser, attended a fan meet-and-greet at Yarra Park to sign autographs and answer questions. When asked by media if he would consider playing England in a one-day match to make it up to supporters, Head was unequivocal.
"I'm not playing these guys (England) in a one-dayer — no chance," the South Australian said with a laugh. He added that while the two-day finish was unfortunate, it allowed the team more time to prepare for the next Test in Sydney. Head, who celebrates his birthday on Monday, noted, "It's nice to be off on a birthday for once."
Reflecting on the fan event, Head stated, "It's the least we can do." Stuart Fox confirmed the exhibition match idea was explored but did not get off the ground, with a live fan site being organised instead.
Batting Struggles and Selection Scrutiny Mount
The match highlighted significant batting frailties on both sides. It was the first Test in Australia since 1932 where no batsman scored a half-century or century. Head himself top-scored in the match with 46. The performance has intensified scrutiny on several Australian batsmen.
Rookie Jake Weatherald, after a promising start in Brisbane, has averaged just 8.5 runs in Adelaide and Melbourne. Despite this, Head has thrown his support behind his former state teammate, arguing he has batted well on challenging pitches and shown enough quality for international cricket. "There's a lot of guys who have looked like they've been under the pump with the bat who are some of the best of our generation," Head said in Weatherald's defence.
Pressure is also mounting on Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, and veteran Usman Khawaja. Green averages 18.66 this series, while Khawaja, 39, faces questions about his playing future. Australian great Brett Lee suggested a potential "special" farewell for Khawaja in his home city of Sydney could be fitting, praising him as "one of Australia's greatest batsmen" and a role model.
As the teams regroup, the focus shifts to the Sydney Test, with selection dilemmas and a desire to appease loyal fans remaining at the forefront following a historic and costly two-day contest.
