Star Australia batter Travis Head has expressed his willingness to open the innings again in the second Test of the Ashes 2025–26 in Brisbane, should the team require it. Head was pushed up to open during the second innings of the Perth Test in Usman Khawaja’s absence and delivered a stunning match-winning performance.
The left-hander smashed a blistering 123 off just 83 balls, effortlessly guiding Australia through a tricky chase of 205 runs in the fourth innings. After his heroic knock, Head said he is prepared to take on the opening role again in the pink-ball Test starting 4 December, especially with uncertainty surrounding Khawaja’s fitness.
"I'm happy. If that's what is needed to win a Test match and if that's what's required, then I'm fine with it. I'm preparing for anything at this stage," Head told ESPNcricinfo. He added that there hasn’t been much discussion around roles yet as the team has just regrouped and tried to rest during the busy Ashes schedule.
Head also supported captain Pat Cummins’ view that batting orders are often "overrated". He believes the current Australian lineup is flexible enough to adapt according to team requirements as situations evolve, especially in pink-ball Tests, where unconventional tactics like double nightwatchmen have been used before.
Meanwhile, Australia carry an exceptional record into the day/night Test, having won 13 of their 14 pink-ball matches in Test cricket. Their only defeat came against West Indies in 2024. They will, however, continue to be without Pat Cummins, who remains sidelined with back stress issues. England, too, face injury concerns, with Mark Wood reportedly ruled out due to a knee problem.
