‘Played his last Test’: Travis Head creates Aussie Ashes selection headache

Travis Head's extraordinary Ashes century has created an unprecedented selection headache that could end a veteran's Test career.

Travis Head’s blistering century has sparked debate over whether he should remain as opener for the second Ashes Test and replace Usman Khawaja.

Head struck a scorching 69-ball century to completely shift the first Test in Australia’s favour just when it looked like England was in a strong position, helping the Aussies claim an eight-wicket win and take a 1-0 series lead.

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Australia was criticised for “poor management” after a blunder saw Khawaja not allowed to open the batting because he spent more time off the field than the time it took for Australia to bowl England out once he went off for treatment.

Head has opened the batting in Tests in the subcontinent and in white ball cricket, but he revealed he volunteered to move up the order as Khawaja nursed a back injury.

“I was happy to do it and it doesn’t bother me too much,” Head said on Kayo Sports’ live Ashes coverage.

“I thought there were two or three options and I was keen to do it, and luckily Smithy let me do it.

“I quite easily could’ve been out in the first over, but I just went out there and it worked today.”

Usman Khawaja is under pressure to keep his spot. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

After experiencing back spasms on Day 1 that prevented him from opening the batting in the first innings, Khawaja underwent more treatment after jumping in the slips.

The 38-year-old didn’t exactly look nimble in the field and dropped a fairly regulation catching chance. He was out for two in the first innings batting at No. 4.

Pat Cummins said the Australians expected Khawaja to come out to bat in the middle order if required, but he didn’t have to as Head scored 123 and Marnus Labuschagne finished unbeaten on 51.

Head’s performance, coupled with Khawaja’s form and fitness, prompted discussions over whether Khawaja could be dropped from Australia’s XI for the second Test.

There could be a major reshuffle to Australia’s line-up for the Gabba — Pat Cummins is eyeing a return from his own back injury, while Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out with a hamstring strain.

If Khawaja is left out, Head could remain as opener and all-rounder Beau Webster could slot it at No. 6 with Cameron Green moving up a position.

David Warner said in commentary: “The question comes, if Uzzie doesn’t get up for the second Test, do you continue with Travis Head and Beau Webster comes back into the line-up?”

Could Travis Head open the batting again? (AP Photo/Gary Day)

Khawaja is nearing the end of his career.. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

“Maybe that’s what the Australian cricket team needed,” Warner added, praising Head’s attacking style of play as the perfect response to England’s Bazball approach.

“He’s done it before in the subcontinent. Yeah, he might not have the greatest technique but he always counter punches.

“He could be that match for Weatherald and Uzzie could do down the order the next Test match or if he missed out due to injury.”

Feel Usman Khawaja has played his last Test. Australia will continue to open with Travis Head after this knock and bring Beau Webster in.#Ashes

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) November 22, 2025

And that’s how Australia found their next Test opener, Travis Head #Ashes

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 22, 2025

Mark Waugh added: “That’s why there was talk about Mitch Marsh playing in this Test match for that very reason, just to unsettle the English bowlers.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said he would “be tempted” to pick Head as opener at the Gabba, which is a pink ball Test.

“To play against this English team, players like (India’s Yashasvi) Jaiswal at the top of the order who damage them early, they’re difficult to bowl to,” Vaughan said.

“Most bowlers like to bowl to players who aren’t going to punch back.”

Khawaja has scored one Test century since the 2023 Ashes and will turn 39 a week before Christmas.

For context, Matthew Hayden, David Warner, Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne were all 37 years old when they retired from Test cricket.

Kerry O’Keeffe said in commentary on Friday before the second innings: “Khawaja averages 18 in his last six home Tests. In terms of selection he’s now on the springboard.

“If he were to fail, his career may be over. He’s 38. Usman’s under the cosh.”

The second Test doesn’t start until December 4, so both teams will have 12 days to recover and mull over selection options.

Jake Weatherald scored 23 in the second innings after a duck in the first innings and is certain to be given another chance opening the batting.

Cummins said his body was “feeling good” and he was a realistic chance of playing the second Test as he ramps up his bowling loads after being sidelined with a stress fracture in his back.

Meanwhile, it’s unlikely England’s line-up will change much but the visitors will be searching for answers as the winless streak in Tests Down Under continued — the Poms are 0-14 with two draws from their past 16 matches in Australia.

Originally published as ‘Played his last Test’: Travis Head creates Aussie Ashes selection headache