Travis Head’s strong performance as an opening batsman in the first Ashes Test has increased his support for continuing in that role for the next match in The Ashes 2025-26. Many fans and experts believe that Australia should stick with the new combination, but Usman Khawaja was seen training at the Gabba.
There is uncertainty over who will open the batting in the second Ashes Test as Khawaja is recovering from a back injury suffered during the first match. He did not open for Australia in both innings of the match in Perth. Head was promoted to the top of the order in the second innings.
Travis Head joins the list of Australia’s top batsmen after century in Perth
Chasing the target of 205 runs, Travis Head destroyed the England attack and scored 123 runs in just 83 balls. With the help of Marnus Labuschagne’s 51 runs, Australia achieved the target by scoring 205/2 in just 28.2 overs and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Head played one of the most explosive fourth innings in Test history. He completed his half-century in just 36 balls and then completed his century in 69 balls. The left-handed batsman helped Australia win within two days with the help of 16 fours and four sixes.
He became the second fastest century scorer in Ashes history behind Adam Gilchrist’s iconic 57-ball century in 2006. It was also the fastest fourth innings century ever recorded in Test cricket. Head also equaled David Warner’s record for the fastest century by an opener in Tests.
Usman Khawaja seen running and doing mobility exercises ahead of the second Test
Travis Head’s explosive century has led to growing support for him to continue as Australia’s opening batsman. Usman Khawaja’s position is under scrutiny as the experienced player has been struggling for runs for the last one and a half years. Khawaja was seen running and doing mobility exercises on Monday as part of his recovery.
The opening batsman was seen moving comfortably during the session. After completing a series of fitness tests, he also gave a positive signal to team physio Nick Jones. He later went to the net for a throwdown with assistant coach Michael Di Venuto.
Meanwhile, the Gabba pitch looked quite green as the media got its first glimpse ahead of the second Ashes Test. According to Code Sports, if Khawaja gets fit in time, he remains a slight favorite to retain his starting spot.
I’m a player that I think can play any role – Travis Head
Travis Head said there hasn’t been much discussion about switching roles, but he is comfortable adapting to it whenever necessary. Head supported captain Pat Cummins’s view that the batting order is often inflated.
“We haven’t really talked much in the last week… If that’s what it takes to win a Test match, I’m fine with that,” Head told reporters in Brisbane.
“I agree with Pat (Cummins) that they are giving (the batting order) a bit too much importance. Traditionalists will say: ‘This is the way it should be,’ but that’s where the game is going… You can use this order and these players in different ways to win games of cricket.
“I’m a player that I feel like I can play in any role. I’m ready for it and it’s just trying to work in the game and in the moments when it may come up.
“I think all options are on the table and there’s been a long-term consideration of where this team can potentially get better.”
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