Australia’s Head expects same eleven for second ODI against New Zealand

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SYDNEY: Australian all-rounder Travis Head believes there will be not too much changes in the hosts playing eleven for the second ODI against New Zealand in the Chappell – Hadlee Trophy on Tuesday.

Head, who scored crucial 52 runs, and was involved in the match-winning partnership of 164 for the fifth wicket with captain Steven Smith (164), said that there is always competition for the places in any team in Australia.

“When you win like we did yesterday, I’m not expecting it to change too much,” Head told reporters in Canberra on Monday. “[But] it’s not my job to do that. I get told where I’m put and try to perform.

“The pressure is always on in the side. In any Australian cricket side, you’ve probably got five guys that are banging down the door that aren’t in the squad. The competition for spots is always on.

“And when you’re in the side, it’s equally as hard to stay in it. You have to be performing, but I am definitely not feeling comfortable. I’m happy with the performance, but was disappointed to have got out and done all that hard work having got to 50 and helped build that partnership.

“If I can keep performing then I can stay in the side and that’s what I hope to do.”

The team’s performance on Sunday, ending a five-match losing streak in the one-day format, probably meant that controversial all-rounder Glen Maxwell could again find himself on the outer.