In an unusual move during the ongoing Perth Test against England, Australia were forced to reshuffle their batting order when designated opener Usman Khawaja failed to walk out with Jake Weatherald for the second consecutive innings. Instead, it was middle-order batter Travis Head who partnered Weatherald in the fourth-innings chase — a decision that sparked plenty of curiosity.
The reason behind this change was straightforward: Khawaja suffered a back injury while fielding in the slips on Day 2. The discomfort kept him off the field for an extended period and left Australia with no option but to send another batter to open the innings.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins, speaking in the commentary box, explained that the team considered several options before Head volunteered to take on the new-ball challenge. Cummins revealed that Head was eager to “give it a crack,” especially since he has experience opening in white-ball formats and has previously taken on the role in Test cricket as well.
Head’s Experience as Opener and His Chemistry With Weatherald
While Head opening the innings might seem unconventional at the international level, it isn’t unfamiliar territory for him. Head and Weatherald have already shared success at the top of the order during their time together with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League. The pair has opened in 14 innings, putting together 381 runs with two century stands and averaging 27.21 as a partnership.
Head’s Test numbers as an opener also highlight his adaptability — he averages close to 50 in the role, proving his capability to provide attacking starts against the new ball. This made him a natural choice in Khawaja’s absence.
With Khawaja unable to resume his regular role, he is expected to slot in at No. 5 — a position where he has previously scored 238 runs, including a century and an unbeaten 101. Australia will be hoping he can stabilize the middle order as they chase 205 runs to secure a 1–0 series lead after a shaky first-innings performance that saw them stumble to 30/3.
As the match reaches a crucial phase, Australia will be banking on their reshuffled top order — and Head’s proactive mindset — to guide them toward a memorable comeback.
