Travis Head Calls Noosa Row Overblown, Defends England Players

Australian batter Travis Head has offered a relaxed and candid take on the controversy surrounding England’s mid-series break during the ongoing Ashes. The debate erupted after England players were seen socialising and drinking during a short getaway to Noosa, which later became a major talking point in the media.

Head made it clear that he felt the reaction was excessive, suggesting that such breaks are not unusual during long, draining tours.

In a light-hearted remark that caught attention, Head admitted, “I am jealous,” indicating that he saw nothing fundamentally wrong with England’s decision to take time off away from cricket.

“Everyone Has Made More of It Than Needed”

Head went on to explain that similar breaks have been part of past tours for many teams, including Australia, and that the uproar was unnecessary. According to him, the narrative around professionalism had been stretched too far, with players being judged harshly for actions taken in their personal time. “Everyone else has made a lot more out of it than what it should have been,” Head said, underlining his belief that the criticism directed at England was unfair. He also described the backlash as “a bit stiff,” stressing that players should be allowed to unwind during a gruelling Ashes campaign that tests both physical endurance and mental resilience.

Support for Ben Duckett Amid Scrutiny

The controversy intensified after a video surfaced on social media showing Ben Duckett appearing unsteady shortly before the Melbourne Test. The footage led to renewed scrutiny of England’s conduct, prompting the England and Wales Cricket Board to look into the matter.

Head revealed that he personally reached out to Duckett after the video circulated, emphasising empathy over judgement. “I got on really well with him and just wanted to check he was OK,” Head said, adding that players are human and deserve understanding rather than constant criticism.

He reiterated that what cricketers choose to do in their downtime should not automatically be viewed as a lack of commitment. Head’s comments offered a contrasting perspective to the dominant narrative, portraying the incident as a minor distraction rather than a defining issue of the Ashes series.