Travis Head is optimistic about his return to the World Cup fray, determined to “repay the faith” of the Australian team who are backing him to deliver following his hand fracture.

But the key batter, who feels he could be fit for Wednesday’s match against the Netherlands, also reckons he is happy “to take things slow” if the team wants to err on the side of caution over his fitness.

So Head’s return, which looks set to have him thrust straight back to the top of the order, may well come against New Zealand in Dharamsala on Saturday.

Speaking from Delhi after linking up with the team and having enjoyed a “really good hit” in the nets, Head declared: “Still a few things I need to tick off but I’m optimistic.”

He’s confident the broken bone in his left hand has healed but needs to regain its strength and mobility after it’s been in a splint for four weeks.

The injury occurred in a warm-up series against South Africa five weeks ago and Head says he’s mindful of being told that it will take six weeks to be fully ready.

“Everything keeps going well, but again, it’s how I can potentially back up tomorrow and train (after a practice session).

“We’ll see what happens. If it continues on this rate, who knows. Keep doing things day-by-day to hopefully give yourself the best chance.”

Head has now had four hits in the nets and has also been involved in fielding practice but “not at full tilt yet.” 

“Catching hasn’t been an issue so far,” he said. “The progression over the next couple of days is to field and see where I’m at. 

“I’ll take it slow to make sure once I come back that I’m ready just to stay there.”

The 29-year-old left-hander says he feels gratitude to selectors for being given the chance to return to the squad, especially having missed out on the 2019 tournament.

“It’s not something that I expected at the time,” Head said of the selectors’ faith. 

“Obviously there was a range of emotions through those three or four days after the injury to think that I missed a chance again to be involved in a World Cup.

“Now it’s a case of day-by-day getting better and hopefully I can contribute at the end and, I guess, pay a bit of the faith back.”