Exclusive: Neil Robertson Eyes ‘Perfect Aussie Winter’ as Travis Head’s Ashes Heroics Spur UK Championship Charge

Neil Robertson has been inspired by Travis Head’s Ashes heroics as he bids to make it a perfect Aussie sporting winter by winning a famous fourth UK Championship. 

The proud Victorian potter, 43, watched on in delight at 30,000 feet as compatriot Head pummelled England into the Perth dirt to take a 1-0 series lead last week.

It made the journey from Riyadh to London after losing in the final of the golden ball 167 event much more bearable for the world No.3. 

And avid cricket fan Robertson would love nothing more than to be a part of a great Australian sporting double if he and his countrymen can land their respective gongs.

There are plenty of similarities between Robertson and Head beyond the country of their birth and being left-handed.

Both play their sports in an ultra-aggressive manner and live by the mantra of going out on their terms.

And speaking to SportsBoom.co.uk, Robertson said: “On the way back from Saudi I watched it on the flight, they had it live which was great.” 

“England were looking good, it was 100/1 and then wicket, wicket, wicket, wicket. It was unreal. Travis Head’s innings was incredible.” 

“I felt 205 was still a bit iffy to chase down. But his innings was incredible. For Travis that’s the only way he knows how to play. He played beautifully.”

“That’s what brings the best out in me is when I’m playing on my own terms and being aggressive as well.”

Entry to Exclusive Club?

The UK Championship has been a happy hunting ground for the Thunder from Down Under over the years with his hat-trick of crowns making him one of only five players to win the major three times or more.

But the group of four-time champions is even more exclusive with only dominant forces Ronnie O’Sullivan (eight), Steve Davis (six), Stephen Hendry (five) at that top table.

“It would be amazing to win a fourth UK title. I don’t know how many players have won four?” Said Robertson. 

“It’s nice that I’ve built up some good momentum since winning in Saudi. I missed a couple of events.” 

“I made the semis in the Champion of Champions and final of the golden ball event last week.”

Robertson was delighted to get the last laugh after some back-and-forth bantering with a few cricket-loving mates back in England.

“The time difference with it being in Perth a few hours behind Melbourne and Saudi is three hours ahead of the UK so that made the timing terrible,” added Robertson. 

“I woke up about 8.30 in the morning, checked the scores and absolutely bombarded a couple of people who are big cricket fans back in the UK after we bowled you out for 170.” 

“I dosed off for a couple of hours and woke up to my phone and the bombardment was responded in kind back to me.” 

“I watched the highlights and everyone gave their wicket away.”

“It will be interesting to see what happens for the rest of the series," he concluded.