Travis Head has clarified his stance on Australia's Test captaincy, saying he is not actively seeking the permanent role. The 32-year-old cricketer, who is currently Test co-vice-captain alongside Steve Smith under Pat Cummins, stated that he can contribute to the team's success without needing an official leadership title.
Head's comments came after he won his second consecutive Allan Border Medal at the awards ceremony on Friday, August 7. The left-handed batter received the prestigious award from Australian legend Allan Border after his outstanding performances across formats between January 2025 and January 2026.
"It Hasn’t Changed Over the Last Few Years" - Travis Head on becoming Australia's next captain
Travis Head said that he has no immediate plans to push for the Australia Test captaincy. The left-hander said that he is happy supporting Pat Cummins and Steve Smith.
“It’s the same (attitude to leadership,) it hasn’t changed over the last few years. I feel like I can bring something to the group, that doesn’t necessarily need to be with the jacket on, tossing the coin in the middle at the start of a Test,” Head said.
“I’m very comfortable with the fact that those two (Cummins and Smith) are doing an extremely good job, and if I can bring anything to the team, I’m more than happy to. I’m not aspiring to be a leader in the team in terms of that something next to your name,” he added.
Head has also captained Australia in T20Is, including during the 2026 T20 World Cup, and previously led South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.
Travis Head Beats Alex Carey to Win Second Allan Border Medal
Head's comments came after he won his second straight Allan Border Medal on August 7. He finished with 153 votes, edging Alex Carey by one vote, while Mitchell Starc took third place with 150 votes.
Head became only the fifth Australian cricketer to win the award in consecutive years. He joined Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, and David Warner in the exclusive group.
The voting period covered Australia's international matches from January 2025 to January 2026. Head's all-format performances helped him claim the award after another productive year with the national team.
Travis Head's Recent Performances for Australia
Travis Head finished the voting period with 1,437 international runs from 30 matches. He scored 123 in Perth, 170 in Adelaide and 163 at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the Ashes series at home.
The southpaw scored 163 runs in the New Year's Test in Sydney after he moved into the opening role. He scored 629 runs at a strike rate of 87.36 during the Ashes series, including three centuries. Overall, Head has scored 929 Test runs as an opener at an impressive average of 58.06.
He also produced a match-winning 142 against South Africa in an ODI at Mackay. Head will now turn his attention to Australia's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Darwin on August 12, with Australia facing a demanding international calendar ahead.
Also Read: Travis Head opens up on Test opening role after amazing Ashes run
