Travis Head to Open as Australia Navigates Ashes Shakeup Following Khawaja Injury
Australia is poised to reshuffle its batting lineup for the second NRMA Insurance Ashes Test, with Travis Head expected to open alongside debutant Jake Weatherald following Usman Khawaja’s withdrawal due to a back issue. The decision, while potentially disrupting team balance, underscores Australia’s depth and adaptability as they aim to maintain their momentum after winning the first Test.
The move comes as Australia opted against calling up a replacement for Khawaja, immediately positioning Head as the frontrunner to fill the void at the top of the order. “I’d probably expect Trav to open with the make-up of our squad,” a senior team source stated Tuesday. While acknowledging the shift could alter the team’s established structure, the source emphasized Australia’s proven ability to overcome adversity. “We’ve got huge depth in our squad, and we can replace anyone if we need to.”
Head’s potential elevation to opener isn’t a new discussion point. The left-handed batter boasts a strong record in the role, having opened nine times in Test cricket, accumulating 444 runs at an average of 55.5 with a strike rate of 92.50. His aggressive style, exemplified by a blistering 123 off 83 balls in a previous run chase in Perth, aligns with a strategic approach discussed by the team’s leadership. According to head coach Andrew McDonald, the concept of a “fluid batting order” – utilizing Head’s power at the top of the innings – has been under consideration for some time.
“You do it in one-day cricket,” McDonald explained, “You front-end some of your innings when you know the back-end is going to be difficult to chase down the runs.” The question now is whether this tactic can successfully translate to the longer format of Test cricket. “Can that transition into Test cricket? Are people ready for that? It’s a conversation that we have had.”
The reshuffle leaves a vacancy in the middle order, sparking speculation about who will step up. Beau Webster is currently favored to fill the position, having impressed previously with both bat and ball. However, Josh Inglis – who scored a century on his Test debut in January – remains a strong contender. Inglis recently showcased his form with a rapid 125 not out in a pink-ball match for a Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions. A team insider noted that Inglis would be a more direct replacement for Head, while Webster was initially selected to cover for an injured Cameron Green.
The selection debate remains open, with a possible clue emerging during a recent practice session. A team representative observed that Inglis was positioned in the slips cordon alongside Steve Smith and Green, potentially signaling a preference for his inclusion. “Webster’s obviously done really well,” a pace bowler commented. “He was a big part of the team when he was in it – making really good runs at six, bowling really important overs, he’s a gun catcher. So anytime he’s in the team, it makes us a stronger team.”
The second Test is scheduled to begin on Thursday, December 4th at The Gabba in Brisbane.
2025-26 NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes Schedule:
- First Test: Australia won by eight wickets
- Second Test: December 4-8, The Gabba, Brisbane (D/N), 3pm AEDT
- Third Test: December 17-21: Adelaide Oval, 10:30am AEDT
- Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne, 10:30am AEDT
- Fifth Test: January 4-8: SCG, Sydney, 10:30am AEDT
Australia Squad (Second Test): Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
England Squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.
