Sydney, Dec 28 (UNI) Australia batter Travis Head has indicated he is more than happy to continue opening the innings as the Ashes series against England heads into the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 4.
Head has been a revelation for Australia since his move to the top of the order, and the in-form left-hander has already scored two centuries in the role during the Ashes to be the leading run-scorer of the series, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website.
The left-hander, who initially made his mark batting at No.5, said he is comfortable in his new role and is willing to continue opening if it benefits the team.
“I feel good at the top,” Head said in Melbourne on Sunday, less than 24 hours after England clinched the Boxing Day Test over Australia by four wickets. “I felt like I’m batting well. I think I’m lining it up well.”
“It’s been pleasing to be able to contribute in different ways.”
While Head’s position in the top six appears secure, the form of several Australian batters has come under scrutiny following inconsistent performances across the first four Tests of the series.
Fellow opener Jake Weatherald has scored just 146 runs from eight innings since making his Test debut earlier this summer, while Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne have struggled for consistency. Veteran Usman Khawaja’s future has also been debated despite a few solid contributions.
Despite the pressure, Head backed Weatherald to come good at the international level, urging selectors to show patience with the young opener.
“International cricket is extremely tough, and you look at some of the guys early in their career, (Australia batter) Nathan McSweeney last year was under the pump a little bit,” Head said. “The wickets have been challenging across the board the last few years, that’s well documented, it’s not an excuse.”
“I think (Jake) is a good enough cricketer for international cricket, I think he’s shown a lot of glimpses across his first four Tests.”
“It’s not always going to go your way. There are a lot of guys who have looked like they’re under the pump with the bat who are some of the best in our generation,” he added.
“It can be a tough way to start your international career, but I think he’s a good enough player to play international cricket.”
Following the Sydney Test, Australia is not scheduled to play another ICC World Test Championship match until late 2026, making the series finale an important opportunity for players to cement their places ahead of a long red-ball break.
