Travis Head To Replace Konstas, George Bailey Hints At Who Will Open In Sri Lanka Test

January 9, 2025: Sam Konstas has earned his spot in Australia’s upcoming two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka, following an impressive run during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The young opener displayed flawless technique, capturing the attention of cricket fans worldwide with his stylish yet aggressive play. In just two Tests, Konstas scored 113 runs, averaging 28.25, with a strike rate of 81.88—a notable achievement against a formidable Indian bowling attack. However, despite the early promise, there is still some uncertainty about whether Konstas will open for Australia in the sub-continent conditions.

While George Bailey, Australia’s chair of selectors, has praised Konstas’ technique, calling it “well-suited” for turning tracks, he also acknowledged the unpredictability of the subcontinent. As Bailey noted, you never truly know how a player will adapt to different conditions until they are tested in those conditions. However, he expressed confidence in Konstas’ ability to adapt, noting that he has shown the ability to learn quickly and absorb information, especially regarding his spin play in Australia and other international venues.

Bailey also suggested that Travis Head could be an option to open, given his prior experience in the role. Head had a successful stint as an opener during Australia’s tour of India in 2023, where he scored 223 runs at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 71. His previous success on turning tracks gives him a solid claim to open, should Australia decide to go down that route.

Australia’s squad for the Sri Lanka series also sees the return of spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy, but the team will miss Josh Hazlewood, who is still recovering from a calf injury. Mitchell Marsh, another key player, has been sidelined for this tour. Instead, Australia has opted to include promising youngsters like Cooper Connolly and Nathan McSweeney over more experienced players like Adam Zampa and Peter Handscomb. This move suggests a longer-term approach, investing in youth for future tours.

With Pat Cummins sitting out of the series, Steve Smith will assume the role of interim captain. Smith’s leadership will be crucial as Australia navigates the challenges of playing in Sri Lanka, where conditions can be tricky for visiting teams.

The series kicks off on January 29 at Galle, with the second Test starting on February 6, also at Galle. The squad will be eager to adapt to the spin-friendly conditions and continue their development in the subcontinent, where Australia has often struggled in the past.

Australia Squad for Sri Lanka:

• Steve Smith (c)
• Sean Abbott
• Scott Boland
• Alex Carey
• Cooper Connolly
• Travis Head (vc)
• Josh Inglis
• Usman Khawaja
• Sam Konstas
• Matt Kuhnemann
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Nathan Lyon
• Nathan McSweeney
• Todd Murphy
• Mitchell Starc
• Beau Webster

This squad blends a mix of experienced heads like Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, and Usman Khawaja with exciting young talent such as Konstas, Connolly, and McSweeney, making it an intriguing side to watch as they face the challenges of Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions.