Travis Head Set to Replace Konstas as Opener in Sri Lanka Tests, Smith Confirms
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Synopsis
In a significant move, Travis Head will take over Sam Konstas' position to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of Australia's batting order for the upcoming Tests in Sri Lanka, as confirmed by skipper Steve Smith. This decision highlights Head's impressive performances during previous tours.
Key Takeaways
- Travis Head replaces Sam Konstas as opener.
- Usman Khawaja will partner Head at the top of the order.
- Australia's lineup remains uncertain due to pitch conditions.
- Konstas may shift to a middle-order role.
- Smith emphasizes development opportunities for Konstas.
Galle, Jan 28 (NationPress) Travis Head will take the place of Sam Konstas to open alongside Usman Khawaja at the forefront of Australia's batting lineup for the initial Tests in Sri Lanka, commencing on Wednesday, as confirmed by skipper Steve Smith.
In the meantime, Australia has yet to finalize their playing squad, and Smith indicated that the decision regarding the lineup would be postponed due to the unpredictable conditions of the Galle pitch.
Konstas showed promise in his initial two Tests, aiding Australia in achieving their first series victory over India in a decade. However, Head's performance while stepping in for the injured opener David Warner during the last two Tests of Australia’s recent subcontinental tour to India in 2023 earned him the opener position.
“Travis will be positioned at the top; aside from that, I believe it will remain relatively stable. I don't foresee significant alterations to that. The selectors appreciated what they observed in India when he (Head) was given that chance. He aggressively attacked the new ball, scored rapidly, and immediately applied pressure, so I suppose similar reasoning applies here,” Smith remarked to reporters ahead of Australia’s last pre-Test training session.
It remains uncertain whether Konstas will keep his role as a middle-order batter. Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis are also in contention for the middle-order spot that Head's elevation has opened up.
“He’s going to benefit from a lot of practice if he doesn’t play, which is excellent for development. I recall 2013 (in India) when I didn’t participate in the first two Tests, and just the volume of balls I was hitting in the nets helped me enhance my skills by facing numerous net bowlers and so forth. Therefore, whether he plays or not, I believe it will be a remarkable experience for him,” Smith added.
