Steve Smith remains non-committal on Travis Head's Test opening slot
What's the story
Australia's senior player and stand-in skipper in the 1st Ashes Test, Steve Smith, has remained non-committal on whether Travis Head will continue to open the batting in Test matches. The question arose after Head's stellar performance in the first Ashes Test, where he scored a blistering 123 off just 83 balls. His innings helped Australia secure an eight-wicket victory over England at Perth. Here's more.
Opening switch
Head's opening performance and Australia's batting concerns
Head opened the batting for the first time in a Test innings outside South Asia, replacing Usman Khawaja. His promotion proved pivotal as he took on England's all-out pace attack with aplomb. The Australian opening positions have been under scrutiny for some time now, especially with Khawaja under pressure and Jake Weatherald managing scores of 0 and 23 on debut.
Verdict
'It's probably too early to say anything'
"Let's just digest this first, the last couple of hours have been pretty incredible," Smith told reporters after the match. He added that it was too early to comment on Head's future role but was glad to witness such an incredible display. "It's probably too early to say anything on that, but what we just witnessed was quite incredible. I'm glad to have been in the house to see it."
Injury update
Khawaja's back spasms and batting position
Khawaja was forced off the field during England's second innings due to a recurrence of back spasms. He returned on day two but felt more pain after stretching for a ball in the slips. Smith said he thought it was Khawaja's knee at one point but fortunately, it was just back spasms. He also defended Khawaja's decision to play golf before the Test match despite his injury woes.
Player updates
Smith didn't like how things went in the 1st innings
Smith also said they didn't like how things went in the first innings with Marnus Labuschagne opening and him batting at three. "We didn't like how things functioned in the first innings with Marn going up top and me batting three. So Trav took it on and played one of the great Ashes knocks," the stand-in skipper stated.
Impact
Head's blazing 123 stuns England
England set Australia a target of 205 runs in a contest dominated by bowlers. Head came out blazing his way with a magical 123-run knock from just 83 balls. His knock had 16 fours and four sixes. He was part of two dominating stands alongside Jake Weatherald and Labuschagne. During his stay, Head surpassed 4,000 Test runs and 1,000 Ashes runs. Earlier in the 2nd innings, Head scored 21 runs at his usual number 5 position.