The Ashes 2019: Justin Langer’s absence suggests there will be no changes for the second Test

An 18-year-old debutante did his best to make Mitchell Starc’s push for an Ashes recall that little bit harder but it was the absence of Justin Langer that seemed to signify what’s coming for the next Test.

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An 18-year-old debutante did his best to make Mitchell Starc’s push for an Ashes recall that little bit harder as Travis Head pounded a hundred in the tour game at Worcester.

But the absence of coach Justin Langer from the match, and the fact first Test bowlers Peter Siddle and James Pattinson didn’t play, were a strong indication Australia might not make any changes when they get to Lord’s next week.

Head’s century and 51 from Usman Khawaja were the standout showings in a match begun just two days after the Edgbaston victory, with not even a net session in between.

Khawaja said playing so quickly after the Test was hard work, but ensured they didn’t celebrate the first Test win too hard.

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“It’s tough work, a five day Test takes a bit out of the body. But we are still playing cricket, we love playing cricket, and we enjoy being out there,” he said.

Starc’s loose opening was exactly the sort of bowling which could create more questions around his Ashes ambitions.

“We played, travelled, and came here, you don’t do that very often. I was a little bit sore waking up but you are mentally trying to get right.

“Test cricket is hard and in a sense, it’s good preparation. You could be lazy but you have to get back out there and get something out of it.”

Starc might need day two to get something out the game after a four-over spell he might want to forget.

Overlooked for the opening Test, Starc opened the bowling late in the day against Worcestershire, after a surprise Australian declaration, and took a wicket with his fourth ball.

But then Jack Haynes, a teenager who was playing a T20 for the England Under 19s against Bangladesh on Monday, smashed Starc for four fours in two overs to leave the left-arm quick reeling.

Travis Head (L) enjoyed two partnerships with Steve Smith (R) during the first Ashes Test. Picture: Lindsey Parnaby/AFP

Having revealed an Ashes plan to limit big overs in Edgbaston, Starc’s loose opening was exactly the sort of bowling which could create more questions around his Ashes ambitions.

Starc, who has 211 Test wickets, had figures of 1-27 and didn’t get a fifth over.

It compared poorly to Josh Hazlewood, who could be the man more likely to get another Test crack first.

Hazlewood also got a wicket in his first over, and should have had too after Cameron Bancroft dropped a catch off Haynes at third slip.

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But another came in his fourth over, and Hazlewood had 2-2 after delivering 20 balls.

The omissions of the long-standing Test duo for the Ashes opener caught many by surprise, but Kahwaja said they had handled the situation well.

“We obviously have a lot of depth at the moment to have two guys of the calibre of sitting out,” Khawaja said.

“They still don’t carry out, they still go about their business, they are still the same blokes they were. I think it speaks volumes for the team.”

SMITH HEROICS GO BEYOND RUNS

The bonus of Steve Smith’s Test return goes beyond just his masses of runs for Australia.

Vice-captain Travis Head declared his new Test teammate had given a enhanced sense of confidence to every other batsmen because Smith “sucks the momentum” out of the opposition when he comes out to the crease.

England was lost for answers to Smith’s 286 runs at Edgbaston, and their distraction in the search for answers helped Head, and Matthew Wade too, cash in.

Head said there was also a relaxed vibe when batting with Smith, who doesn’t say much, but makes what he says count.

The pair put on 194 runs in two partnerships across the opening test, and Head said Smith’s mental strength stood out.

“Not a lot was said between us. It was all short, sharp and shiny. He goes about it his way and stays extremely strong mentally,” Head said.

“He’s obviously in great form so it’s nice to be at the other end and he obviously takes a bit of pressure off.

(L-R) Steve Smith and Travis Head talk before walking out to bat during day one of the first Ashes Test. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

“They are trying to think of some plans to him so I was able to go a little bit under the radar.

“In a partnership, he’s fantastic to bat with. He sucks the momentum out of the opposition and the way he batted in this game, it was nice to be at the other end with him.”

“You know he’s not going anywhere … so hopefully a little bit more batting to do in the next four Tests with him.”

The Edgbaston win was Head’s first Test with Smith, having begun his career in the baggy green surrounded by batsmen who are no longer in the team.

But playing with that Smith-infused confidence in his Ashes debut, the South Australian made 34 and 51 as solid returns in a winning team.

He had a crucial 64-run partnership with Smith in the first innings, after the Australians collapsed to 3-35, then the pair put on 130 second innings runs as Head racked a sixth half century in his ninth Test.

“I’m happy with the way I started, and obviously disappointed not to go on with it in the first and second innings,” Head said.

“It was fantastic to build that partnership in the first innings, then not to go on with it was tough.

“But the way I’ve been able to start in both innings, and adapt to the conditions, I’ve been fortunate enough to have a few hits in English conditions in the A tour.

“I feel like I’m in good touch with the tour match this week and then into the second Test, so for me it’s about continuing to do the basics really well and capitalizing when I get the opportunity.”