Australia consultant Mike Hussey has urged the national selectors to move Travis Head back to No. 5 and push Steve Smith up to No. 3 in the Test batting order, as Australia prepare for their series against New Zealand beginning 9 December in Perth. Hussey made the remarks at Kayo's summer of cricket launch in Sydney, with the squad set to be named after the next round of the Sheffield Shield.

Hussey's Preferred Batting Order

Speaking at the Kayo event, Hussey laid out his ideal lineup in direct terms. 'For me, I would like Travis Head to move back down to No.5, push Steve Smith up to three, Cameron Green at four, have Josh Inglis at six, and Alex Carey at seven,' he said. He acknowledged that Smith has previously indicated a preference against batting at No. 3 but maintained that the arrangement would produce a 'really strong middle order in particular.' Hussey also flagged the opening slot as an opportunity for a fresh face, saying the reshuffle would create space at the top of the order.

Why Carey Fits at No. 7

On wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, Hussey was clear that No. 7 suits him better than the No. 6 slot he occupied last summer. 'He bats so well with the tail, it's not an easy role... And you are quite often contending with the second-new ball. He can do that. Plus, it gives you a little extra respite if he's been out keeping for a long period of time,' Hussey added. The rationale reflects the dual physical demands placed on a wicketkeeper across a full day's play.

Labuschagne Dropped — Again

Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the Australian Test side for the second time in 17 months, with selection chair George Bailey confirming the incumbent No. 3 will not feature in the series opener against New Zealand. Labuschagne, however, has publicly expressed confidence in his own return, saying his 'path back to the Australian team will work itself out.' Hussey echoed that sentiment, though with caveats — describing a comeback as a longer-term prospect rather than an imminent one.

What Hussey Said About Labuschagne's Future

Hussey indicated that the road back for Labuschagne runs through domestic cricket and mental renewal rather than any immediate technical overhaul. 'He just has to get back to playing for Queensland, enjoying his cricket, and finding his best mental state when he's playing his best cricket,' he said. He added that there 'maybe' is a technical adjustment to explore, but framed the core challenge as mental. 'At his best, he is a world-class performer. A break will do him some good to refresh,' Hussey noted.

Smith's Return and the Connolly Question

Steve Smith missed Australia's last Test — the Cape Town decider — due to a neck injury and is expected to return to the squad for the New Zealand series, likely slotting into a middle-order berth. Selectors will also assess whether Cooper Connolly retains his place after the squad is named following the Sheffield Shield round. Hussey's proposal places Cameron Green at No. 4, keeping him in his current position while freeing Head to drop down. The selections, once confirmed, will shape Australia's batting architecture ahead of a busy home summer.