Stand-In Captain Backs Khawaja to Recover as Australia Weighs Opening Options After Head’s Heroics

Australia’s stand-in captain Steven Smith says it is too early to determine whether Travis Head will continue as a Test opener after his explosive century set up an eight-wicket win over England in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

Head, thrust into the unfamiliar opening role after Usman Khawaja was sidelined with back spasms, hammered a breathtaking 123 off 83 balls. His innings dismantled England’s pace attack and transformed a tense match into a commanding Australian victory. It was Head’s first time opening outside South Asia and came after Marnus Labuschagne had unsuccessfully taken the role in the first innings.

Australia’s opening combination has been under scrutiny, particularly with 38-year-old Khawaja under pressure and debutant Jake Weatherald managing scores of only 0 and 23. Head’s success has sparked speculation he could be promoted permanently for the remainder of the series.

Smith, however, remained cautious.

“Let’s just digest this first,” he said. “It’s probably too early to say anything on that, but what we just witnessed was quite incredible.”

Smith admitted the team was unhappy with the first-innings reshuffle that pushed Labuschagne to the top and moved him to No.3, adding that Head seized the opportunity brilliantly.

Khawaja’s absence from the field during England’s first innings—caused by recurring back spasms—rendered him ineligible to open, forcing Australia into the makeshift arrangement. The veteran batter later managed just 2 after coming in at No.4.

Smith said Khawaja’s discomfort continued into day two, though the opener joked it was “one of the best back spasms” he’d ever had given the circumstances of Head’s century.

The skipper dismissed criticism of Khawaja’s pre-match golf outing, echoing Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg’s defence.

“There was nothing out of whack with his preparation,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, he just pulled up a bit lame early in the game. That happens when your back goes.”

Nathan Lyon, who bowled only two overs in seam-friendly conditions, suffered a bruising blow to the hip while batting but is expected to be fit for Brisbane.

Meanwhile, concerns remain over Josh Hazlewood, who may miss the entire series due to a hamstring injury. But Pat Cummins offered more positive news, revealing he is “half a chance” to return for the second Test starting December 4 in Brisbane as he continues recovering from a lower-back issue.