SL vs AUS: Travis Head to Replace Sam Konstas as Opener for Australia’s First Test in Galle

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Steven Smith, Australia’s stand-in captain, has announced that Travis Head will open the innings with Usman Khawaja in the first Test against Sri Lanka. The match will begin on January 29 in Galle. Head will replace Sam Konstas, who had an impressive debut against India in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“Trav will open. Outside of that, things will be stable. The selectors liked how he batted in India when given the chance. He attacked the new ball and put pressure on the bowlers early,” said Smith.

Head performed well during Australia’s 2023 tour of India when he replaced the injured David Warner as an opener. In the last two Tests of that series, he scored 180 runs with an average of 60 and a strike rate of 67.7. With Head moving to the top, a new player will be needed at No.5 in the batting order.

Konstas or New Faces for Middle-Order?

Smith did not confirm the playing XI of Australia, leaving room for Konstas to still play in the middle order. Other options include Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis. McSweeney struggled as an opener against India but has a strong record batting in the middle order for South Australia. Inglis, on the other hand, is yet to play a Test match.

Smith praised Konstas, saying:

“Whether he plays or not, this experience will help him a lot. Back in 2013 in India, I didn’t play the first two Tests but used the time to improve my skills in the nets. Konstas will also learn a lot from being here.”

Australia squad for Sri Lanka Tests:

Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

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