Travis Head, a batter for Australia, expressed his opinions about the field at the Optus Stadium in Perth, where they will play Australia in their first Test match beginning on Friday. Rainfall has been heavy in Perth in the run-up to the game, which has made it difficult to prepare the field. The chief curator of Optus Stadium, however, downplayed worries about “snake cracks” on the deck by revealing that the pacers will get more speed and bounce. Head described certain sections of the track as “terrifying” and said that while he likes batting in Perth, it may become a little difficult in the latter two days.

“I am aware that I have sometimes liked hitting here. Simply said, there are certain sections of this wicket that may be intimidating. I believe that has been discussed by everyone. It may be difficult depending on where the wicket goes on days three, four, and five,” Head remarked.

Head said that he practiced with yellow balls in England during the last Ashes, providing a glimpse into his preparations on bouncy surfaces.

In England, I did it a lot. Almost immediately after my first Test match against cricket balls, I don’t believe I had a net session. Since I was aware that they would only bowl me short balls, I only faced yellow balls. He said, “I thought I’d have a little laugh and go to training without my pads when you’re going through a long series, and I guess I was the one that copped it most of that series.”

Head said why he chose to practice with yellow balls: “I want to train it, but I don’t want a broken finger.” Training is difficult, unpleasant, and visibility and wickets make it harder to bat against than the center.