Head ‘Happy’ to Keep Opening as Khawaja’s Future Remains in Spotlight

Travis Head says he is “happy” to continue opening the batting for Australia after his match-winning century in the first Ashes Test, as debate continues over Usman Khawaja’s fitness and long-term place in the side.

Head, normally Australia’s established No. 5, moved to the top of the order in the second innings in Perth after Khawaja was sidelined with back spasms. The left-hander responded with a blistering 123 off 83 balls, steering Australia to a rapid chase of 205 in just 28.2 overs and handing his side a 1–0 series lead ahead of Thursday’s second Test at the Gabba.

Khawaja, who turns 39 next month, remains in Australia’s 14-man squad and insisted this week that he “should be right” to play. However, selectors have offered no assurances over his place following a lean two-year stretch in which he has averaged 31.84 with just one century.

Speaking as the squad assembled in Brisbane on Sunday, Head said his role for the next Test had not yet been finalised, but stressed he would be comfortable opening again.
“I’m happy,” Head said. “If that’s what is needed to win a Test match, then I’m fine with it. I’m preparing for anything at this stage… We haven’t had many conversations over the last week. It’s been about getting some time away from the game in such a full-on series.”

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald revealed after the Perth Test that the team had previously considered using different openers in each innings, and Head said he would embrace that tactical flexibility.
“We’ve talked about that a lot,” he said. “I feel like I can play in any role, so I’m open to it. All options are on the table about where this team can get better and where opportunities might come to win games.”

Head also echoed the views of captain Pat Cummins, who believes batting orders can be “over-rated.”
“I agree with Pat,” Head said. “You could use this order and these players in a range of different ways… Non-traditional stuff, double nightwatchmen, how you use players in different situations. It’s ever-evolving.”

Cummins is expected to miss the second Test due to ongoing back stress concerns, leaving Australia to consider further adjustments as they attempt to consolidate their Ashes advantage.