After leading the home team to an eight-wicket victory over the visitors in the first Test in Perth last week, Australia’s Travis Head says he is ready to open the batting once more against England during the current Ashes series.
After being pulled in as a late substitute for Usman Khawaja when the regular top-order batsman was unable to take the field, Head hammered a century in 69 balls, the second fastest in Ashes history, on his way to a match-winning 123 runs.
“I’m preparing for anything at this stage,” said Head upon his arrival in Brisbane on Sunday ahead of the second Test, which starts on Thursday.
“There’s a fair bit to work through. But I’ve just got here and we haven’t had many conversations in the last week. It’s about spending some time out of the game, as much as you can. I’m just preparing for each Test to play the best way I can, and wherever I line up I’m happy. If that’s what’s needed to win a Test match and that’s what’s required; yeah, I’m fine with it.”
The Australians had doubts about their opening batsmen going into the five-Test series, and the most recent to falter was rookie Jake Weatherald, who was dismissed by Jofra Archer with the second ball of the first innings.
However, Head feels that his performance in the second innings highlighted the necessity for Test teams to embrace the strategies employed in the shorter versions of the game and to be adaptable with their batting lineups.
“I feel I can play in any role, so I’m open to (opening), and it’s just trying to work out in-game and in moments when you may use that,” he said.
“But I think all options are on the table and have been for a long period of time, about where the team can potentially get better and where there’s opportunities to potentially win games of cricket in moments. I think it’s always been on the table.”
Batting orders are “slightly overrated,” Head said.
“But the traditionalists will say that’s how it’s got to be,” he said. “It’s ever evolving and we’ll see where we get to.”
