Head Prepares For Future As Full-Time Opener After Career-Best Ashes

Travis Head has indicated that his place as Australia’s Test opener looks increasingly secure, admitting it is “likely” he continues in the role beyond this Ashes series. What began as a short-term solution has grown into one of the most influential storylines of the campaign.

Head’s surge as opener began in Perth with 123 off 83, followed by 170 in Adelaide and 163 at the SCG, putting him in the Compton-Miller Medal frame alongside Mitchell Starc. His SCG innings also marked the seventh time he has fallen between 150 and 175, though after being dropped on 121 by Will Jacks, he simply laughed off the missed double.

"Beggers can't be choosers," he said. "It's a pretty s**t stat, isn't it? Much rather 160, 170 than zero to 10. So I ain't going to complain about that. Probably had a couple of chances [for a double] in the series but, yeah, pegs up and watch the boys go about it."

That attitude captured the essence of his series: fearless, composed, and focused on impact over milestones.

Opener Role Appears Locked In As Schedule Builds

Australia now has a long break from Test cricket until August’s tour of Bangladesh, but Head’s position still looks clear. If they reach the next World Test Championship final, a run of up to 21 Tests in 11 months awaits, and his stability at the top becomes even more valuable.

"Probably likely," he said. "But we've got a lot of time. Right now, you sit here and say the next Test we are going to play, I'm coming off a hundred opening the batting, so probably going to look likely.

"But this rolling order and where we think guys are going to match up, I think, is still where my head's at. With the leadership of the group and the selectors, we've been pretty open about that, how we match up and how we want to best suit this team."

His promotion began when Usman Khawaja struggled with back spasms during the first Test. Marnus Labuschagne briefly filled the opening spot, but when Australia was set 205 to win, the team turned to Head to attack.

"I felt like it was the right call in Perth to go that way," he added. "There were never going to be guarantees I was able to get the job done, but I felt like it set our team up really well. 

The masterminds will go to work and set the team up so that they think we're going to be able to win Test matches. I've always said I'm happy either way."

The combination of adaptability and confidence has strengthened his case further.

A Series That Redefines His Reputation

Head admitted that he did not expect numbers like this.

"Extremely…600 runs, that's normally Smithy or Marnus, and I normally put the cherry on top," he said.

He credited senior teammates whose performances have traditionally carried Australia.

"I'm not normally the one who's doing the heavy lifting as such. The likes of Marn [Labuschagne] and Smudge [Smith] over the last period of time have been the heavy lifters and the guys that have really, really driven games, and Davey [Warner] in the past, and [Khawaja].

"I've been very lucky to bat around those guys. Nice to be able to pull a finger out and help them out on the other side."

Crossing the 600-run barrier changed his perspective on his own expectations.

"I wouldn't have come into the series thinking [of 600 runs]. I would have liked to think I was good enough to have a series as I have, but to do it and be as consistent as I have been is very pleasing."

His century at the SCG also meant he has now scored a hundred at every Australian Test ground he has played. The venue once felt difficult for him, but opening changed the scenario.

"To be here and face a new ball with no catches and get away to a start and put pressure back on the bowlers, I enjoyed it."

Head also discussed how he balances aggression with risk management.

"I've always said, I'm going to weigh up the percentage of [getting] out," Head said.

And finally, he reflected on enjoying the moment.

"Being 160 is not bad…it's an enjoyable time to be in the middle."

As the Ashes wind down, Head appears set not only as a key run scorer, but as Australia’s new long-term opening statement.