'Powerplay madness': Aussies set new world mark as Head and ...

Champion batter Travis Head and Australian captain Mitch Marsh have monstered Scotland to set a new world mark for a power play on route to a dominant T20 success at The Grange in Edinburgh.

Head, who made a blistering 80 runs of 25 balls when equalling the fastest half-century an Australian has scored in a T20 match, and first-drop Marsh steered Australia to a record 1-113 off six overs after Jake Fraser-McGurk made a duck on debut when opening.

After Scotland set a target of 9-154 when batting first, Head and Marsh launched a staggering assault on the hapless Scottish bowling attack in a 113-run partnership that ended when Marsh, who made 39 runs from 12 balls which included five fours and three sixes, holed out to Michael Leask off the bowling of Mark Watt in the seventh over.

Watch Australia v Scotland T20s LIVE & Exclusive on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

SERIES PREVIEW — Gun quicks ready to explode; new finisher emerges: Crucial audition for Aussie next gen explained

Australia's Travis Head celebrates with the players of the match trophy at the end of the first Twenty20 International cricket match between Scotland and Australia at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 4, 2024. Australia wins against Scotland. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)Source: AFP

Head continued to batter the Scottish attack and was on track to break Aaron Finch’s Australian record of a 47-ball century in T20s when he fell to the Leask-Watt combination for 80 from 25 balls, with his innings featuring 12 fours and five sixes.

Nice way to get underway, we’ve loved our time here so far and I was a bit nervous coming in. Nice to get some runs with the captain today. It’s been a nice couple of years, I’ve been enjoying the environment under this coaching staff, loving the atmosphere with the youngsters coming in. After losing Jake, not sure what the wicket was going to do, but nice to get into my groove quickly. Once I get away, I guess that’s my role, maximising the powerplay.“

Josh Inglis, who was unbeaten on 27 from 13 balls, and Marcus Stoinis, who was not out on eight from five balls, steered Australia to a seven-wicket victory with 62 balls remaining in the innings.

“(It was a) nice way to get underway. We’ve loved our time here so far and I was a bit nervous coming in,” Head said.

“(It was) nice to get some runs with the captain today. I’ve been enjoying the environment under this coaching staff, loving the atmosphere with the youngsters coming in.

“After losing Jake, (I was) not sure what the wicket was going to do, but (it was) nice to get into my groove quickly. Once I get away, I guess that’s my role, maximising the powerplay.”

Earlier Sean Abbott was the pick of the Australian bowlers when taking 3 for 39 from his four overs, but Xavier Bartlett (2 for 23 from four overs), Adam Zampa (2 for 33 from four overs) were also effective.

Prior to the first game in a three match series against Scotland, which precedes a brief tour of England, Marsh said it was more than likely all 14 players in the squad would play in one of the three games.

“I don’t think it’s a reset,” Marsh said of the changing faces in the squad.

“I think there’s certainly opportunity for guys to come in and get their opportunity, but I wouldn’t say it’s a reset.

“We’ve got a bit of experience that are missing out on this tour, but all these guys have certainly earned their spot. They all bring different skill sets and the thing we spoke about is just coming together as a unit.

Australia's Travis Head (L) hits a six in front of Scotland's wicketkeeper Matthew Cross during the first Twenty20 International cricket match between Scotland and Australia at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 4, 2024. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)Source: AFP

“That’s one of the great challenges of international cricket is feeling comfortable at that level and that’s our job as leaders, to make the guys feel really comfortable.

“They’ll be challenged, they’ll be under pressure, but looking after each other, having fun and enjoying playing international cricket is really important for us.”

It’s the first time Australia has played Scotland in a multi-game bilateral series, having last toured there for one-off ODIs in 2009 and 2013.

GROS ISLET, SAINT LUCIA - JUNE 14: Jake Fraser-McGurk of Australia looks on during an Australian net session as part of the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on June 14, 2024 in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Marsh said Warner would be “missed” but had set a benchmark for the next group of players to rise to.

“Davey was obviously one of our best to ever do it and he always bought so much experience and no matter who he played against, he was always up for the challenge playing cricket for Australia,” he said.

“I think that’s probably something that our young guys can learn from, but he’ll always be missed.

Fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are also absent for the Scotland games, with Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith and Bartlett to lead the pace attack.

“Paddy, Hoff, Starkey, they’re a real unit when they bowl together on the field and that’s something we want to bring from our, I guess, lesser experienced players,” he said.

“But got full faith in them, they’re extremely skilful and I’m looking forward to them having a crack.

“I think we’ve got a really energetic young group who are champing at the bit to play for Australia and that’s really exciting.”

Australia’s T20 tour of Scotland

All times AEST

September 4 – First T20, Edinburgh, 11pm

September 6 – Second T20, Edinburgh, 11pm

September 7 – Third T20, Edinburgh, 11pm

Australia’s T20 Squad

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Riley Meredith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Scotland’s T20 squad

Richie Berrington (c), Charlie Cassell, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Jasper Davidson, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal

Follow Australia vs Scotland live below!