Australia selectors weigh up Travis Head shake-up in Sri Lanka

Australia’s most in-form Test batter has left selectors mulling a major gamble, which could impact the team’s youngest player and have a ripple effect through the entire squad.

Australia faces a major decision on whether to unleash master blaster Travis Head at the top of the order in the two Test series in Sri Lanka.

Opening with Head was a plan hatched well before the start of the Australia-India series but it was never set in stone.

The selectors will have to decide whether the emergence of Sam Konstas changes things for the series which starts on January 29.

Head averages more as an opener than any other position in the order after a successful stint there on the last tour of India after David Warner was injured, scoring 223 runs at 55 at the excellent strike rate of 71.

Travis Head shone at the top of the order in India. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Head was not even chosen in the team for the first Test of that series as Australia’s touring selectors had reservations about his play on the subcontinent.

But once he got his chance, Head became the early order firecracker that spring-loaded Australia’s innings.

Australia left that tour thinking Head should return to the top of the list for the Sri Lankan series.

If Head switches to open it leaves Australia to answer a series of questions about what to do with the rest of the order.

Do they put Konstas or Usman Khawaja down the order?

A move up the order for Travis Head would leave selectors with decisions to make around Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Would it put pressure on Marnus Labuschagne to hold his spot at No 3? Does all-rounder Beau Webster stay in the team down the list? Will there be room for reserve batsman Peter Handscomb to slot into the middle order?

There is a feeling that Konstas, as the only member of the team under 30, should play every Test to get him ready for next summer’s Ashes tour, even if he bats down the order.

Australia’s Test series against India was a rugged one for batsmen but Head did well to top the averages with 448 runs at 56 at a rousing strike rate of 92 runs per 100 balls.

A fresh coat of paint to Galle stadium. Picture: MB Miller

Workers do some cosmetic work to prepare for Australia’s arrival. Picture: MB Miller

The Galle venue where Australia will play both Tests has not been kind to him for he has just 23 runs in three Test innings there.

But there have been many examples of Australian batsmen – Khawaja is one – starting their subcontinent career with some modest tours before unlocking the mysteries to batting in those conditions and improving their records.

The Galle Stadium is undergoing some last minute painting and the surrounding areas are being cleaned up before the venue hosts both Tests of the short series.

Originally published as Australia selectors weigh up Travis Head shake-up in Sri Lanka