Usman Khawaja Backs Travis Head to Open in Tests; Cautions Against Exposing Steve Smith Early

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja advocates for Travis Head to open in Test matches against India. Khawaja highlights Head's ODI success and stresses the need to protect top batsman Steve Smith from early exposure to the new ball. Khawaja believes selectors will make the final decision.

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has thrown his support behind explosive batter Travis Head as a potential opener for the national team in the Test format. Speaking to Fox Cricket, Khawaja emphasized Head's success in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) as making him a strong candidate, particularly as Australia gears up for a significant Test summer at home, starting with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.

Khawaja, who has been a long-term opening partner for the now-retired David Warner, urged caution in deploying Steve Smith at the top of the order. The veteran cricketer stressed the importance of protecting the team's 'best batsman' from facing the new ball. "At the end of the day, it is a decision for the selectors. But if you have me opening, Marnus Labuschagne at three, and Smith at four, I feel like Travis Head might be best suited," Khawaja explained. He added that while Smith could score runs as an opener, his optimal performance would likely come from batting at number four.

Highlighting Smith's impressive record, Khawaja noted that the cricketer is the ninth-highest run-scorer in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, with 1,887 runs at an average of 65.06, including eight centuries. However, since being promoted to the opening slot following Warner's retirement, Smith's performance has been mixed, averaging 28.50 in four Tests with a standout score of 91 against the West Indies. Travis Head has also shown promise, averaging 55.75 as an opener in Test matches and excelling in ODIs with an average of 49.9.

The Border-Gavaskar series is set to kick off on November 22 in Perth. The second Test will be a day-night affair at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The series then moves to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test from December 14 to 18. The iconic Boxing Day Test will be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30, and the series will conclude at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, promising a thrilling end to the contest.

(With inputs from agencies.)