Australia finalize Travis Head’s batting spot for Galle Test

Australia has finalized its opening combination for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, with Travis Head set to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the batting order. This decision marks a return to the strategy that worked well during their 2023 tour of India.  

Travis Head's performances in subcontinent conditions have impressed Australia’s stand-in captain, Steve Smith, who praised his ability to handle the new ball and dominate spinners early in the innings.  

“He (Head) did really nicely in India against the new ball. He put spinners under pressure immediately, and we know how well he hits the seam as well if they come with that,” Smith said. “It’s going to be good fun watching him.”  

While confirming Head’s role as an opener, Smith did not reveal the complete playing XI, explaining that the team will decide based on conditions closer to the match.  

“We’ll wait and see what we get, probably the morning of the game, and then go from there. But things can change pretty quickly in this part of the world. The sun hasn’t been out a great deal, so we’ll have another look at the wicket and name the team at the toss,” Smith said.  

This approach could mean that young batter Sam Konstas, who showed promise in earlier matches, might not play in Galle. However, Smith sees value in keeping the 19-year-old with the squad for practice and development.  

“He’s going to have a lot of practice over here if he doesn’t play, which, in itself, is great for development. You know, I only have to think back to 2013, where I didn’t play the first few Tests, and just the amount of balls I was hitting in the nets and the skills I developed from that. Whether he plays or not, it’s going to be a wonderful experience for him,” Smith added.  

Smith also shared positive news about his own recovery from an elbow injury sustained during the Big Bash League. “Fortunately, it was all mainly muscle, and it settled down pretty quickly. I’m actually batting without tape,” he confirmed.  

In another boost for Australia, left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been declared fit to play. Smith praised Kuhnemann’s quick recovery, saying, “Apparently, the surgeon’s done an incredible job for him to be able to field and do some of the things he’s been able to do the last couple of days. We’re kind of a bit gobsmacked. Either he’s a tremendous actor, or he’s got great pain tolerance. He’s ticked all the boxes. He’s good to go.”  

The first Test of the two-match series starts Wednesday in Galle. This series is crucial as it concludes the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. Australia and South Africa are already set to face off in the WTC final at Lord’s from June 11-15.