Yorkshire signs up Travis Head to replace Kane Williamson

Yorkshire Cricket Club have announced the signing of Australian Travis Head to replace the internationally acclaimed Kane Williamson for the second half of the county season. Daily Mail reported the defending champions unveiling their latest overseas signature to nullify the loss of the Kiwi who has a busy international schedule ahead.

It is likely that Head Coach Jason Gillespie would have had a major part in Yorkshire’s decision to procure the services of the 22-year old. Travis will reunite with his BBL coach when he arrives at Headingley on July 18. Williamson, widely touted as the next New Zealand Test skipper leaves for national duty prior to the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

To play across all formats is important to me: Travis Head

The young Australian batsman was understandably excited at the prospect of representing the iconic club. He enthused, “I can't wait to get over to England and play for Yorkshire, the best side in the English game.”

Acknowledging the influence of fellow Australia Gillespie’s presence in the team management, Head implied, “To work alongside Dizzy (Gillespie) is also an added attraction. He was brilliant for the Strikers and I have heard so many positive things about what he is doing with the team at Yorkshire.”

The aggressive middle-order batsman lit up the Big Bash League with some dazzling stroke-play with the highlight being a career best 101* for the Strikers. Even though he enjoys a formidable record in domestic T20s, Head still has a lot of work to do if he wants to improve upon his first-class average of 30.66.

Hence, playing in different surfaces at the English county circuit could be vital to his growth as a batsman across all formats. Realizing the importance of the opportunity, he added, “To play across all formats is important to me and playing in English conditions will be a good challenge. I can't wait to get over and make an impact.”

Meanwhile, Gillespie spoke about Head’s utility in both departments of the game. The 40-year old asserted, “Travis is a great signing for us. He will add something different to the squad with his aggressive batting style and his ability with the ball as a genuine spinner.”

Jason continued, “He has a lot of maturity for a young man and his cricket intelligence is improving with every match. He will fit in nicely to our system.” Yorkshire already boasts of a formidable lineup comprising of the likes of Joe Root, Gary Ballance, Adil Rashid and David Willey.