Head frustrated as runs go begging in Perth

Travis Head made his first half-century of the Test summer on day two in Perth but admits he left runs out in the middle as another big score eluded the Australian vice-captain.

Head posted 56 in Australia's first-innings total of 416 before he was caught at cover drilling a half-volley from Tim Southee five overs before the dinner break.

The left-hander threw back his head in disbelief when Mitchell Santner held onto the bullet, knowing he let slip a golden chance to post his second Test century.

"I definitely left a few (runs) out there which is disappointing," Head told cricket.com.au.

"I know if I can continue to bat the way I have, if I can start like that then runs are going to come.

"But once I get that opportunity it's a bit flattening to give my wicket up like that."

Coming in at No.6 behind a firing top order has meant Head has batted just twice in Tests this summer; 24 at the Gabba followed by his 56 in this Test.

He says shot execution let him down on Friday and knows he must make the most of his limited chances.

"The shot was on but the execution wasn't right," he said. "It's one of those things in cricket.

"I'll look at that but I'm bitterly disappointed to leave runs out there.

"I haven't had much of an opportunity over the summer so to finally get my chance, get a start like that it's disappointing not to go on and get a big score.

"Hopefully during the summer or next innings when it's my turn I can make the same start, have really good partnerships with the guys at the other end, gain the momentum back for us or continue it as it has been for us this summer.

"When I get in that position hopefully more often than not I can convert a big score."

Out of Head's 24 Test innings, only three times has he failed to reach double figures.

However, of those 21 starts, only one has been converted into a century – against Sri Lanka in Canberra last summer – while he's made seven half-centuries.

Head averages 49.58 in 10 Tests in 2019, so if the South Australian can crack the conversion code his name could be mentioned alongside the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, his Test teammate who has made three centuries on the trot.

And it's Labuschagne who is providing Head a batting blueprint and inspiration in how to turn those starts into monster totals.

"As you've seen with Marnus when you're in form you want to make the most of it," said Head.

"I feel like as I've got older I've been able to convert more times than I did when I was younger.

"As I've got older I've learnt how to get big scores. Today it wasn't one of those days.

"I know how to get them I've just got make sure that when I get that opportunity I'm 100 per cent ready to go and committed to do it for a long period of time."

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