In a surprise shakeup to the Australian batting lineup, Travis Head is set to replace teenage prodigy Sam Konstas as the opening partner for Usman Khawaja in the first Test against Sri Lanka starting Wednesday in Galle. The move comes despite Konstas’s stunning performances in his debut Test series, which helped Australia reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India for the first time in over a decade.
Stand-in skipper Steve Smith revealed that Head’s impressive track record as an opener on turning tracks in the subcontinent, particularly during the 2023 India tour where he averaged a stellar 55.75 runs, was the deciding factor in earning him the coveted opening slot. Smith expressed excitement at the prospect of Head taking on the new ball, highlighting his aggressive approach against spinners and his solid technique against seam bowling.
“He did really nicely in India against the new ball. He put spinners under pressure immediately and we know how well he hits the seam as well if they come with that. It’s going to be good fun watching him.”
– Steve Smith on Travis Head
Tough Call Benches Konstas
The decision to sideline the 19-year-old Konstas, who captured the cricketing world’s attention with his fearless and skillful batting in India, was not an easy one for the Australian selectors. Despite his undeniable talent, Konstas’s inexperience on subcontinent pitches appears to have worked against him, with this being his first tour of Sri Lanka.
However, Smith did not rule out the possibility of finding a place for Konstas elsewhere in the batting order, hinting at a potential middle-order role. With Head’s promotion creating a vacancy at No. 5, Konstas finds himself in contention alongside the likes of Nathan McSweeney, Cooper Connolly, and the uncapped Josh Inglis.
Selection Dilemma for No. 5 Spot
While Inglis boasts an impressive domestic batting average of 72.6 this season and would bring a similarly positive intent to Head, McSweeney’s experience in the middle order for South Australia and his unbeaten 127 earlier in the summer make him a strong contender. The 21-year-old Connolly, although uncapped, is highly rated within Cricket Australia and could be a surprise pick.
- Josh Inglis: Uncapped but impressive domestic form
- Nathan McSweeney: Experienced middle-order batsman
- Cooper Connolly: Young talent rated highly by Cricket Australia
- Sam Konstas: Prodigious opener benched but still in contention
“We’ll have another look at the wicket and from there we’ll name the team at the toss. We’ve got all the options available to us. We’ll see how we go.”
– Steve Smith on the No. 5 selection
Spinning Conditions Expected in Galle
With the Galle pitch notorious for offering substantial turn from day one, Australia is keeping their options open in terms of the bowling attack. While the temptation to field three frontline spinners is strong, Smith hasn’t ruled out the possibility of going in with two quicks and two spinners.
Scott Boland and Sean Abbott offer pace alternatives, but the skipper also expressed confidence in medium-pace all-rounder Beau Webster’s ability to take the new ball alongside veteran Mitchell Starc. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who dislocated his thumb just two weeks ago, has made a remarkable recovery and is available for selection.
“There’s lots of considerations: Two fast-bowlers, one fast-bowler. Couple of spinners, three spinners, two spinners, allrounders.”
– Steve Smith on the bowling combination
Smith Fit to Lead, But Won’t Throw
In a boost for the visitors, stand-in skipper Steve Smith has declared himself fully fit after recovering from a minor elbow injury sustained during the Big Bash League. However, the star batsman will be unable to throw in the field, confining himself to slip catching duties.
“Fortunately, this part of the world I’ll be parked in the slips for the entire time. If I have to chase one to the boundary, hopefully one of my mates comes with me.”
– Steve Smith on his elbow injury
As the first Test looms, the Australian think tank has some crucial decisions to make regarding both the batting order and the bowling combination. While Head’s promotion and Konstas’s benching have grabbed the headlines, the final XI will only be revealed at the toss. With spin likely to play a defining role in Galle, Australia’s adaptability and depth will be put to the test as they aim to start the series on a winning note against a formidable Sri Lankan side in their own backyard.
