Travis Head has been chosen to open the batting for Australia in the first Test against Sri Lanka. Sam Konstas, who impressed in the recent India series, will be vying for the No. 5 position.
Travis Head will open the batting for Australia in the first Test against Sri Lanka , with Sam Konstas contending for the No. 5 position. Head will take over from Konstas at the top of the order despite Konstas's impressive performances in the recent India series. Stand-in captain Steve Smith indicated that Konstas could still be included in the lineup elsewhere, particularly at No. 5, which is now vacant.
Konstas's exceptional displays in his first two Test matches, contributing significantly to Australia's Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph, were undeniable. However, Head's strong performance as an opener during the 2023 subcontinent tour, averaging 55.75 runs across two-and-a-half Tests while replacing David Warner, ultimately secured him the spot alongside Usman Khawaja. Smith highlighted Head's ability to handle the new ball, put pressure on spinners, and strike the seam effectively, making him an ideal choice for the opening position.Konstas's inexperience on a subcontinent tour appears to have tipped the scales in Head's favor. Smith emphasized the need to select the XI based on the expected conditions, anticipating a spin-dominated pitch in Galle. Nathan McSweeney, Cooper Connolly, and Josh Inglis are among the contenders vying for the middle-order slot vacated by Head. Inglis, although uncapped at the Test level, has demonstrated a formidable batting average of 72.6 across three matches for Western Australia this season and possesses a similar attacking approach to Head. McSweeney, despite averaging only 14.4 in his first three Tests against India's formidable pace attack, has proven his mettle in the middle order during his 30 Sheffield Shield appearances, notably scoring an unbeaten 127 earlier this summer. Connolly, a 21-year-old with limited first-class experience, may be considered a long shot. Both McSweeney and Connolly offer part-time off-spin options, an asset on a Galle pitch that could spin from day one. Smith indicated that the final team selection would be made at the toss based on the state of the wicket. He also highlighted the possibility of playing two frontline quicks and two spinners rather than three spinners, despite predictions of a turning wicket
Cricket Australia Sri Lanka Travis Head Sam Konstas Test Match Galle Steve Smith
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sam Konstas Set for Pay Rise if He Plays in Sri LankaCricket Australia contract, World Test Championship, Ashes series, Travis Head, Sri Lanka tour
Read more »
Travis Head flags Australian experimentation with batting order in Sri Lanka Test seriesTravis Head says Australia will consider taking the radical step of changing the batting order mid-game against Sri Lanka.
Read more »
Origin of Travis Head’s iconic celebration on final day of Boxing Day Test revealed7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Travis Head's Weirdest Wicket Celebration Baffles EveryoneAustralian cricket star Travis Head celebrates a wicket with a bizarre hand gesture, leaving commentators and fans confused. Head's unique celebration sparked discussions about its meaning and became an instant talking point.
Read more »
Travis Head to open in Australia's first Test against Sri Lanka, Sam Konstas at risk of being droppedTravis Head will open the batting for Australia in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, leaving Sam Konstas in a battle for a middle order position to save his spot in the side.
Read more »
Konstas' Sri Lanka Test Debut: A Gamble on Talent or a Ticket to Replace Head?Teenager Sam Konstas has been included in Australia's touring squad for Sri Lanka, raising questions about his ability to thrive on spin-friendly wickets and potentially displace Travis Head as opener. Bailey highlights Konstas' quick learning and unorthodox batting style, but acknowledges the challenge of adapting to Sri Lankan conditions. The squad also features several young talents like Cooper Connolly and Matthew Kuhnemann.
Read more »