England fast bowler Brydon Carse stated his team has solid preparations to counter the threat posed by Travis Head after the Australian made a scorching century at the top of the order to set up an eight-wicket triumph in the Ashes series opener in Perth.
Middle-order hitter Head started in place of the injured Usman Khawaja in Australia’s second innings and the aggressive left-hander made a century in 69 balls – the second-fastest in Ashes history – en route to a match-winning 123.
Prior to the start of the second Test in Brisbane on Thursday, Head informed reporters that he was ready to play that role again. However, Carse stated that the visitors will be ready regardless of who bats first.
“I think that was a phenomenal knock by a high-quality player,” Carse said on Monday. “If he does open the batting again, we’ve got set plans we’ll look to use.”
“But again, I don’t think anything changes from a mindset thing. He had an incredible day out that afternoon … whatever we’re presented with, we’ll stick to our plans.”
England are seeking to fight back after their eight-wicket defeat inside two days in Perth, where Carse grabbed five wickets in a losing cause.
Carse stated that even if Mark Wood is judged unfit for the day-night, pink-ball Test, the bowling unit is settled despite worries over the pacer’s fitness ahead of the Test.
“I’ll still be adaptable to whatever the situation brings,” the 30-year-old said.
“Obviously again different challenges this week, where we could be bowling under lights at different times.
“But I think as a bowling group we’re quite settled in and where we’re going to bowl and what our role is in the side.”
