Travis Head Fires Back at Critics Before Durban Test: "They're Putting a Bullet Through the Team"

Travis Head has launched a stinging defence of Australia's under-fire Test squad, accusing former players turned commentators of undermining the current team ahead of Friday's series opener against South Africa in Durban.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the opener said he felt the squad was being unfairly judged by a group of past players who were effectively putting a bullet through the side. He added that some pundits appeared to need a job and were going after the players to fill it, but insisted the group was strong enough to handle the criticism.

Head's remarks came a day after former Australia opener Matthew Hayden accused the selectors of "promoting the greatest pile of mediocrity that we've seen in a generation of cricket" in a podcast, taking aim at the recall of Nic Maddinson. The 34-year-old has been out of Test cricket for nearly a decade but joined the squad in South Africa after Josh Inglis fractured his finger and Cameron Green suffered an abdominal injury. Hayden argued the recall disrespected first-class cricket and that Test batsmen should average at least 45 — Maddinson's first-class average stands at 37.11.

Head defended the selection, saying Australia needed mature players who knew exactly what was required, and pointed to the precedent of Mike Hussey, who broke into the side in his thirties as a proven, battle-hardened performer. He backed Maddinson's ability and the value of experience in Test cricket.