October 20, 2024: As the debate intensifies over who will open alongside Usman Khawaja in Australia’s upcoming Test matches, Travis Head has expressed his openness to batting in any position the team needs him, including as an opener.
Speaking ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, which kicks off on November 22 in Perth, Head said, “I’ve got no favourite position,” and emphasized that his main focus is contributing to the team, regardless of where he bats.
Australia is currently searching for a new opener, with Steve Smith returning to his usual number four spot after a stint as an opener, and all-rounder Cameron Green sidelined for the summer due to a back injury requiring surgery. Potential candidates for the role include Head, who has found success opening in white-ball cricket, and Mitchell Marsh, alongside Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw, all of whom have been performing well in domestic cricket.
Head has shown his adaptability across formats, scoring 223 runs in five Test innings as an opener. Despite being a strong candidate for the role, he remains focused on team needs, stating, “I couldn’t care less if I bat anywhere from one to seven, if I bat at nine, I do not care… I just want to play in the Australian cricket team.”
Head will miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, starting on November 4, due to paternity leave but plans to prioritize his family while continuing to enjoy his cricket. Australia has yet to announce their squad for the subsequent T20Is following the ODI series.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises an exciting contest, with Australia and India clashing in a five-Test series. Following the first Test in Perth, the second will be held from December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval in a day-night format. The third Test takes place at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, while the iconic Boxing Day Test will be hosted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will conclude with the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.
