"Keep the chatter, it makes it interesting" - Travis Head remains evasive over prospect of opening in Tests
Australia's Travis Head has left the fate of his batting position in red-ball cricket to the decision-makers. The left-handed batter has been touted as the next Test opener, with rallying calls for Steve Smith to be restored to his No. 4 position ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series.
Australia have had a hard time figuring out the composition of their batting lineup since David Warner's retirement. Their steadfastness over including their 'top six batters' has resulted in the shuffling of the order rather than a replacement bonafide opening batter being introduced to the mix.
While no final call has been taken yet, Smith's switch to the middle order is being considered imminent. Several former players, including Aaron Finch, have vouched for Travis Head to partner Usman Khawaja at the top, making the left-handed batter an all-format opener for Australia.
“Keep the chatter, it makes it interesting. I’m not going to dive into that. I’ll just let that play out," Head said after scoring 154* in the first ODI against England on Friday , September 19 (via nine.com).
Travis Head has previously opened in red-ball cricket for Australia, scoring 223 runs in five innings at an average of 55.75 and strike rate of 71.47. All of his outings at the top came during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series in India after Warner suffered an injury.
"I probably play the game a bit more relaxed now" - Travis Head
The left-handed batter has been in the form of his life for a while now, with a never-ending purple patch. He had a blockbuster 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 IPL campaign. He recently climbed to the top of the ICC rankings for T20I batters and has made the ideal start for the 2025 Champions Trophy preparation.
Head's unbeaten 154 helped Australia chase down 316 runs against England in the series opener at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on September 19. His knock included 20 fours and five sixes as the visitors romped home with six overs to spare.
“I've worked extremely hard over a few years and I probably play the game a bit more relaxed now. I take it for what it is and try to enjoy what I'm doing. It's coming off in the way I'm playing," Head said (via nine.com).
The explosive batter endured a nervy start during the run chase. He got his first boundary in the first over by Jofra Archer, courtesy of a streaky edge. He was dropped soon after by Brydon Carse, who failed to hold onto a tough chance at deep point.
"It was difficult at the start. Jof's way too good for me, so I've experienced it a few times. I even thought in the T20s, the couple of overs I faced him in Southampton, he's an exceptionally good bowler. You've got to take the good with the bad… there wasn't much in those first couple of overs, so I just tried to back my technique and tried to stay out there," he added.
The second ODI between England and Australia is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, at Headingley, Leeds.