Image: Travis Head has rejected Gavaskar's allegations of a rift in the Australian cricket team / © Mid-Day
Josh Hazelwood sparked talk of tension in the team by suggesting that batters should be questioned about their approach to chasing a big target. Shortly after, Cricket Australia announced he would miss the second Test due to a side strain, with Scott Boland chosen as his replacement.
Travis Head addressed Sunil Gavaskar’s comments about tension in the Australian team, calling them part of the “entertainment business” expected from a commentator. He dismissed the remarks, implying they were more about creating interest than reflecting reality. He said:
I was surprised at Sunny’s comments. They were pretty funny. Dropping “Hoff” (Hazlewood), and throwing a couple of daggers, and shooting across the bow, but who cares? It is what it is. Everyone is paid to have an opinion. He’s in the entertainment business, as a few teams around the world would say. He’s on the commentary team. If that makes it more fun for him, then go for it.
Sunil Gavaskar claimed there was tension in Australia’s dressing room, citing Josh Hazelwood’s “mysterious” injury as evidence. He pointed out that Hazelwood showed no signs of being unfit during a media conference, where his remarks about the batters’ strategy sparked debate.