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Travis Head Australia vs England T20 World Cup 2024
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Travis Head is all set to lead Australia in the second T20I against England on Friday in Cardiff. The Australian opener acts as a stand-in captain, in the absence of full-time skipper Mitchell Marsh.

The visitors have had a great start to the three-game series, beating the hosts in the first T20I in Southampton. But they will miss out on the services of their full-time skipper as they look to seal the series in Cardiff.

What happened to Marsh and why is Head deputising for him? The Sporting News tell you.

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Why is Travis Head captaining Australia in 2nd T20I vs England?

Marsh, the Australian captain, was unavailable for selection for the second T20I at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The 32-year-old is apparently unwell, and was deemed unfit for the game against England.

And Head, the in-form opener, has been tasked to lead the team in the absence of Marsh, whose return date for now is uncertain. 

Head was sensational in the first T20I with the bat, scoring a 23-ball 59 which was a huge factor in Aussies' win.

Has Travis Head captained Australia before?

Travis Head has not captained Australia anytime before. The second T20I on Friday marks the captaincy debut for the in-form 30-year-old. It was him who revealed at the toss that the captain was 'slightly unwell'.

MORE: Kohli on the verge of breaking another Tendulkar record vs Bangladesh

What is Australia's playing XI for the 2nd T20I vs England?

Playing XI: Matthew Short, Travis Head (C), Jake Fraser McGurk, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa. 

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Mohit Khakhar Photo

Mohit Khakhar is a content producer for The Sporting News India.