Australia vice-captain Travis Head is all set to replace Sam Konstas as opener for AUS vs SL 1st Test. Skipper Steve Smith confirmed the reshuffle in the batting line-up ahead of the match which will begin on January 29. 19-year-old Konstas had made his debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India and has played 2 Tests so far.
Konstas to face the axe in AUS vs SL 1st Test?
As per The Age, Smith confirmed that Head would open the innings for Australia along with Usman Khawaja. This would mean that Konstas could lose his spot in the side. The youngster made an impressive debut, taking on the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli as a part of his on-field antics. Head last opened the batting for Australia in 2023 against India when he replaced an injured David Warner at the top of the order.
“Trav (Head) will go to the top, outside of that I think it will be pretty stable. I don’t see it being a great deal of change from that. The selectors liked what they saw in India when he (Head) had that opportunity,” Smith told reporters.
Latest news
- “Some matches went bad”: Virat Kohli’s childhood coach expects “champion” to shine in Champions Trophy
- FC Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Live Streaming: Where to watch La Liga match in India?
- Alex Hales chooses to play for KKR’s franchises in MLC & CPL over ECB’s The Hundred & T20 Blast
Konstas’ exclusion from the playing XI could pave way for Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis to be slotted in the middle-order. Australia will be led by Steve Smith in the two-match series in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins. Apart from expecting the birth of his second child, the all-rounder sustained an ankle injury during the gruelling IND vs AUS Test series.
Skipper Smith survived an injury scare after being struck on his elbow during the Big Bash League (BBL). However, he was cleared by a specialist for the AUS vs SL tour and linked up with the rest of the side in Dubai last week. Spinner Mathew Kunhemann, who underwent surgery recently, has also been cleared to participate in the series.
AUS vs SL Tests schedule
- 1st Test – January 29-February 2 (Galle)
- 2nd Test – February 6-February 10 (Galle)
Editor's Pick
Cricket
"India is not coming to Pakistan": PCB explains absence of tricolour in Champions Trophy venues
Top Stories
