Head turns focus to one-day security

While the possibility of a Test call-up is ever present, Travis Head's main focus this week is nailing down a permanent spot in Australia's one-day international side.

Head arrived in Sydney on Wednesday to join the national squad for their Chappell-Hadlee ODI series against New Zealand, heartened by a double of 130 and 52 in South Australia's Sheffield Shield loss to Victoria at the MCG last week.

His efforts with the bat couldn't save SA from defeat, but it was just the knock he needed ahead of Sunday's series-opener against the Black Caps at the SCG.

And with a lone half-century from 11 ODI innings for Australia since his debut in June, Head is hoping to ride the momentum into the coloured clothing.

"I feel in good form, which is good," said Head, who had posted Shield scores of 66, 43, 37 and 34 before the game against the Vics.

"I'm coming off a good game against Victoria. I've had starts in games (for Australia) and haven't been able to get the sort of not outs batting at six and finish games off, which I've been pretty disappointed about.

"But also just to win games for Australia, that's what I'm here to do and, if I get my opportunity this week, I feel in good form and, hopefully, if I can do that and then if that gets me picked further down the track, then great."

Head knows it is the perfect time to impress selectors, who have shown a willingness to blood new talent in Test cricket, as evidenced by the three debutants given a chance in the Adelaide Test last week.

But, for this week at least, a Baggy Green is not the big-hitting 22-year-old's No.1 priority.

"There are opportunities, but you've got to get runs as well and that's something I haven't done this season until this week," Head said.

"I've been getting starts but haven't been able to go on and get a big score. This week, I was able to do that and it's just about trying to capture whatever that was and keep the momentum going personally and win games for Australia.

"That's what I'm here to do."

After a 5-0 series defeat in South Africa in October, Australia will lose their No.1 ODI ranking should they be swept 3-0 by the Kiwis, something Head says is driving the team.

"There's always pressure on that," he said. "We'll try and still play as the No.1 side. I think we've done that quite well over the last few years.

"Coming into the squad, I guess that's one thing that stands out - is how professional everyone is.

"So there's no doubt we'll be trying to hold onto that."

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