Will Travis Head Open in AUS vs ENG 2nd Ashes Test?

Australia's star opener Travis Head provided an update about his batting position for the second Test against England in the ongoing Ashes series. The second Test of the Ashes 2025-26 will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 4.

Australia started the Ashes 2025-26 on a high as they thrashed England by 8 wickets in the opening game in Perth. One of the major reasons behind the hosts winning the opening clash was Travis Head, who had to open the innings in the last essay.

Travis Head in AUS vs ENG 2nd Test

The injury to Usman Khawaja made the opening spot vacant and with Marnus Labuschagne not being comfortable in the role in the first innings, Australia had to make a different decision. This made them promote Travis Head at the top and then the rest was history.

The move paid incredibly well as Australia needed Travis Head to get going in the chase of 205 on a tough track. The left-hander made a mockery of the England bowlers and slammed them all over the park, slamming one of the fastest hundreds for Australia and showing why he is among the most dangerous batsmen in the world.

Head took the pitch out of contention as he activated the beast mode and put bowlers under pressure. His innings broke the backbone of England, while a fifty from Marnus Labuschagne took Australia home as the match ended in just two days.

Will Travis Head Open in AUS vs ENG 2nd Test?

With the AUS vs ENG 2nd Ashes Test around the corner, there has been a common question about Travis Head batting position. Cricket Australia named the 12-man squad for the second Test and it also featured the regular opener, Usman Khawaja.

This means that it is very unlikely that Travis Head will open the innings. Ahead of the match, the batter was asked about the role for the second match. He was honest to admit that he is happy with opening and if that makes the team win, he is fine with it.

Head also made a strong statement, saying that he is preparing for everything and admitted that there haven’t been many conversations over his opening role. As quoted by ESPNCricinfo, he said:

While he bats in the middle order in Tests, Head is seen as one of the best openers in the world due to his record in white-ball cricket. In the upcoming matches of this Ashes series, he is likely to play an important role.

Meanwhile, Australia are unlikely to make any changes to their XI for the second Test, which will be a pink-ball Test. However, if the conditions will be pace-friendly, then we might see Beau Webster making an entrance into the XI in place of Nathan Lyon. Australia would be keen to carry on the confidence from first match and win the second game in Gabba as well.