Aaron Finch Backs Travis Head to Bat at No. 5 in the Brisbane Clash

Travis Head stole the limelight in the Ashes opener by single-handedly hammering the England bowlers. His batting heroics helped Australia win the Perth Test inside two days, a rare feat that we don’t usually see in Ashes matches.

Despite all these factors, the Australian team is still hesitant to confirm Head as a regular opener for the rest of the series. They have instead backed Usman Khawaja to reclaim the position once he is fully fit.

Recently, Aaron Finch also supported the management’s decision, saying that Travis Head is an asset for the team at the No. 5 position. He added that the upcoming clash in Brisbane is a day-night Test, so Australia need a specialist opener to counter the challenge of the England bowling attack under lights.

"If this wasn't a pink-ball test match coming up at the Gabba, I would tend to agree and say, you know what, maybe it is time to throw him [Head] up there and you just launch into it from day one of a Test," said Aaron Finch.

He further said that Travis Head can make a bigger impact with the old pink ball once it softens. The wickets could also become a bit flat at the later stages, so having Head at the back end can give Australia a real explosive option in the batting.

"But I just feel as though the fact that it is a pink-ball test, the impact that that brand new ball can have and the impact that Travis Head can have batting at No. 5 when the pink ball does go a bit soft and the game can sort of, the wicket can flatten out. I like him at five still, just to be that real explosive player through the middle order." said Aaron Finch.

Brisbane is one of those venues where Usman Khawaja loves to bat. He has an excellent record there, so giving him the confidence to open the innings seems to be the right option for Australia. This opinion is also supported by Michael Clarke, who says Australia will not back down from their original batting plans in Brisbane.

"I think he plays. I think if he's fit, they give him another chance. I think a few days and Uzzie will be sweet. He hasn't had this back problem that many times throughout his career, so I think he will be fit." said Michael Clarke.

Clark, Finch Backs Lyon for the Brisbane Test

Talking about Nathan Lyon’s position, both Finch and Clarke agreed that he should be in the Playing XI for the next test. Clarke emphasized that Lyon walks into any Test team, as his abilities with the ball are simply unmatched.

"He's in for sure. He's in my XI every Test match. Unless it's an absolute raging green seamer. Like even Perth, the wicket certainly didn't look that bad. I'm still picking a spinner in my team." said Michael Clarke.

Aaron Finch also emphasized the importance of Nathan Lyon. He said that not selecting Lyon for the Jamaica Test was understandable, but he cannot be kept out of the Australian squad in every game. He is confident that Lyon will return for the Brisbane Test, which is scheduled to start on December 4.

"The impact that Nathan Lyon has in that side is huge. We saw him not selected for the Test in Jamaica…and they were extreme conditions. So Australia decided that they probably weren't going to use a spinner at all. I can see from that point of view why it happened in Jamaica. At the Gabba, 100%, it should not ever be talked about, Nathan Lyon not being in an Australian XI." said Aaron Finch.

Speaking about Pat Cummins, Finch said that his inclusion in the next game will depend on his fitness. He appreciated the firm stance of the Australian team management, saying that they have prioritized fitness and avoided making decisions in a rush.

"I think Australia will stick to the plan. If he's 100% fit, he plays. If he's 95% fit, he doesn't play. I think that's the way that they'll go. They've been really consistent with how they've picked squads, how they've picked the XI. And for me, it's a long series. You don't want to rush it." concluded Aaron Finch.