Australia has yet to announce the playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. However, captain Steve Smith has confirmed that Travis Head will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja, as reported by cricket.com.au.
This marks a strategic change, with Head taking over the opening position previously held by teenager Sam Konstas.
Head demonstrated his capabilities in the opening role during Australia's 2023 tour of India, filling in for an injured David Warner. Although there was some speculation regarding his selection, Smith emphasized that Head is confirmed to start in the two-match series, with only minor tweaks anticipated in the overall team composition.
"Trav [Travis Head] will be at the top, and aside from that, I think it will remain quite stable," Smith stated to reporters before Australia's last training session ahead of the Test, as quoted by cricket.com.au.
"I don't foresee significant changes from that," he added.
"The selectors appreciated what they observed in India when he (Head) had his chance," he noted.
"He attacked the new ball, scored quickly, and immediately applied pressure, so I suppose the same approach is expected here," he remarked.
The final team selection will largely depend on the unpredictable conditions of the Galle pitch, which has seen a considerable reduction in grass following Australia's training session yesterday. Spin is anticipated to play a vital role, potentially affecting Australia's selection strategy.
"He's going to get plenty of practice if he doesn't play, which is beneficial for his development," Smith said regarding Konstas, as quoted from cricket.com.au.
Reflecting on 2013 in India, I recall not participating in the first two Tests. During that time, I spent considerable hours in the nets, honing my skills by facing numerous net bowlers, which greatly contributed to my development, he remarked.
"Regardless of whether he plays, I believe it will be an enriching experience for him," he stated.
"He stands to gain a wealth of knowledge," he added.
Konstas, who made an impressive debut with a bold half-century against India on Boxing Day, has reportedly modified his practice approach in Galle and Dubai, emphasizing a more traditional technique. If he is not positioned in the middle order, uncapped keeper-batter Josh Inglis may have the opportunity to make his Test debut, while Nathan McSweeney, recognized for his part-time off-spin, is also a potential candidate.
Smith, who is recuperating from an elbow injury sustained during the Big Bash League (BBL), is fit to bat but has limitations in fielding, particularly with throwing. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann is being considered for a return despite a recent thumb fracture.
"The surgeon has performed remarkably well, enabling him to field and execute some tasks over the past few days, which has left us quite astonished," Smith commented, as reported by cricket.com.au.
"Either he is an exceptional actor or possesses a high pain threshold, but he has met all the requirements and should be ready to participate," he noted.
"We would prefer to announce a team as soon as possible, but circumstances can shift rapidly in this region," he added.
"Therefore, we will hold off on naming a team for now, and likely make a decision on the morning of the game," he mentioned.
"With the sun not shining much lately, we will reassess the pitch conditions before finalizing the team at the toss," Smith stated.
Australia's team selection will likely depend on evaluating the pitch conditions on match day, with an emphasis on balancing their spin and batting strategies for the challenge posed by Sri Lanka.
