Smith Defers Decision on Head’s Spot as Permanent Ashes Opener

Travis Head played an unbelievable innings against England in the first Ashes test at Perth. His hammering came as a surprise to the visitors, who were expecting Usman Khawaja to open the Aussie batting in the second innings. Unfortunately, Usman was held back by the team management due to a minor injury, giving Travis Head an unexpected promotion to the top of the order.

This dynamic batting strategy proved too hot to handle for the England team. Travis Head came out with all guns blazing, disrupting all the bowling plans of the England team. His brilliant century enabled Australia to chase down the target of 205 by the end of Day 2 in the Perth Test.

Despite the belligerence of Travis Head in the last match, the Australian skipper Steve Smith has not confirmed any decision to make Head a regular opener for the Ashes. He is optimistic that Usman Khawaja will take back the opening spot once he gets fully fit.  

"Let's just digest this first, the last couple of hours have been pretty incredible. It's probably too early to say anything on that, but what we just witnessed was quite incredible. I'm glad to have been in the house to see it.” said Steve Smith after the match.

"We didn't like how things functioned in the first innings with Marn going up top and me batting three. So Trav took it on and played one of the great Ashes knocks." added Steve Smith.

Usman Khawaja experienced a slight discomfort due to back spasms on day one, however, things got worse when he was forced off the field due to its strong recurrence during England’s second innings. Smith pointed out this problem during his press conference, saying that Usman was held back due to a slight but sudden injury.

"He was reasonable this morning. I actually thought it was his knee at one point. Fortunately, it was the same thing [back spasms]. He [Khawaja] said before that it's probably one of the best back spasms he's ever had given the circumstances [of Head's century].” said Steve Smith.

The decision to send Travis Head to open the batting was made at the last minute. Steve Smith only learned about it just before the end of England’s second innings. The skipper didn’t mind the decision, as Khawaja’s injury forced the management to take a quick call.

"Wasn't ideal, it all happened pretty quickly. I got told, I think just before we got the last wicket....that he needed to be on the field to go and bat. I think that's why we landed where we landed yesterday [with Labuschagne opening]. Today we had a little bit more time to go through it and work it out. I mean, those things can happen in the game. No one's fault. Move on." said Steve Smith.

Smith Backs Usman Khawaja’s Pre-Test Golf Game

Earlier, many people believed that Usman Khawaja’s decision to play golf before the test match was a mistake. Steve Smith dismissed this perception, saying it did not affect Khawaja’s fitness or readiness for the game.

“He's not moving particularly well in there, the old fella, but his preparation was the same as it's been for every Test match I think that he's played," said Steve Smith.

"There was nothing out of whack there by any stretch. Unfortunately, he just pulled up a bit lame early in the game. That happens when your back goes. I've been there myself when your back seizes up and it's not a nice place to be. So I can feel his pain right now." added Steve Smith.

The next test in Brisbane will be crucial, as it could see the return of regular Australian skipper Pat Cummins. He is currently practising in the nets to assess his fitness, which is improving steadily. The skipper is confident that he can regain full rhythm before the Brisbane contest, though the final decision will be made by the team and medical panel.  

"It's on track and pulling up pretty well. [I'm] half a chance for the next game. I'm pretty hopeful and it's probably better than it was a few weeks ago." said Pat Cummins.