What Extra Motivation Does Australia Have Ahead of the Windies Tests?

Bridgetown, June 23 (NationPress) After experiencing a setback in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord's, Australian batter Travis Head remarked that the team possesses enhanced motivation to excel in the forthcoming three-match Test series against the West Indies, which kicks off on Wednesday.

Australia faced a five-wicket defeat by the Proteas, missing the opportunity to defend their WTC title earlier this month. As the new WTC cycle commences, Head encourages his teammates to focus on the future rather than linger on the loss to the South Africans when they face the Caribbean team.

"There’s added motivation to go out there and play well. We didn't perform to our potential (against South Africa), and it's unfortunate. We dedicated two years of hard work to just one week, which didn’t go according to plan, while the opposition played exceptionally well, so there’s another source of motivation," Head expressed regarding the first Test in Barbados.

"We have two more years for development, and this marks another initial phase, so I believe that if you dwell on it for too long or look back, you miss out on what lies ahead.

"As challenging as that may be, we play so much cricket and are accustomed to moving on. We do care, and it's certainly not ideal, but ultimately, you can’t change what has happened, so you must press on, get back on track, and strive to play good cricket.

"Many players are eager to do just that. We’ve had some time to reflect, and I have prepared adequately for this Test series that we are optimistic about," he added.

Australia will be without star batter Steve Smith for the opening Test against the West Indies, as the seasoned right-hander continues to recover from a finger injury sustained while fielding during the WTC final defeat.

Also absent is former world No.1 Test batter Marnus Labuschagne, who has been dropped from the squad. In their stead, teenager Sam Konstas and batter Josh Inglis have been included in the lineup for the first Test at Kensington Oval.

Head expressed confidence that Labuschagne will soon return to the Test squad and endorsed Inglis to seize his opportunity in Smith’s absence.

Inglis, who scored a century on debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year, has Head’s full backing, with the left-hander believing the 30-year-old can once again produce a standout performance.

"It seems like he's been part of the Australian setup for a long time, even though he hasn't played much. He's been in the squad for a considerable period and has been around the group for a long time," Head observed.

"Once he secures an extended stay in the team, I’m confident he will shine. He’s been waiting for a good opportunity, and it’s an exciting time for Josh."