Sam Konstas or Travis Head? Australia’s chief selector hints at the opening choice in Sri Lanka

Sam Konstas earned a spot on Australia’s squad for their upcoming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka after an impressive performance against India’s formidable bowling attack in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, his role as an opener for the Sri Lanka series remains uncertain.

Konstas displayed textbook-perfect technique during his stint as an opener against India. His unorthodox and aggressive shots captivated audiences worldwide, eager to witness the next generation of cricketing stars.

Konstas’s scoring prowess is evident in his 113 runs across two Tests, averaging 28.25 with a strike rate of 81.88. Despite his confident display on home turf, doubts linger about his ability to replicate this success on Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly pitches.

While George Bailey, the chair of selectors, acknowledged Konstas’s “well-suited” technique for turning tracks, he didn’t dismiss the possibility of Travis Head opening.

“In truth, you never really know until someone’s faced with [subcontinent conditions]. What we have seen is [that] he’s a quick learner, [and] absorbs a lot of information. From his spin play in Australia and the opportunities he has played in different parts of the world, we think he’s got a game that’s well-suited and a technique that can stand up.”

“That’s one of the exciting things about this tour. We’ll learn a bit more about his game in different conditions to what he’s just faced in Australia. Trav’s an [opening] option … clearly, with that squad, we’ve got a number of options.”

Head boasts considerable experience opening for Australia in red-ball cricket on turning tracks. In India in 2023, he amassed 223 runs as an opener, averaging 55 with a strike rate of 71.

With regular captain Pat Cummins absent from the series, Steven Smith will assume the captaincy on an interim basis. Spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy return to the Australian squad.

However, Australia will miss Josh Hazlewood, who is recovering from a calf injury. Mitchell Marsh, the seasoned all-rounder, is also sidelined for the Sri Lanka tour.

Youngsters Cooper Connolly and Nathan McSweeney were selected over veteran players Adam Zampa and Peter Handscomb, who were also considered for the tour.

The first Test begins on January 29 at Galle, with the second Test commencing on February 6 at the same venue.

Australia Squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.