AUS vs ENG: Will Travis Head open the batting in the Ashes 2nd Test? Here's the update

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has weighed in on the selection debate ahead of the day-night Ashes Test at the Gabba, insisting that Travis Head is still best suited to the No. 5 position despite his superb century as a stand-in opener in Perth. Finch, along with fellow former skipper Michael Clarke, strongly believes that Nathan Lyon must be part of the Australia playing XI for the day-night Test in order to field the most balanced side possible after dismantling England in the series opener. Head was promoted to the top of the order only because Usman Khawaja suffered a recurrence of back spasms on the second day in Perth.

AUS vs ENG: Travis Head set to bat in the middle-order during the Ashes 2nd Test?

The injury also prevented Khawaja from taking his usual place in the first innings, as England’s rapid collapse meant he had not spent enough time on the field to be eligible to bat. His absence sparked speculation about whether Australia might consider a permanent reshuffle at the top. However, Finch argued that the pink-ball conditions in Brisbane bring different strategic considerations. He believes that Head’s aggressive style and ability to counterattack are far more valuable in the middle order during a day-night Test, where the ball is expected to move more under lights. For that reason, he maintains that Head should return to No. 5, with Khawaja resuming his role as opener if fit.

"If this wasn't a pink-ball test match coming up at the Gabba, I would tend to agree and say, you know what, maybe it is time to throw him [Head] up there and you just launch into it from day one of a Test," former Australian captain Aaron Finch said.

"But I just feel as though the fact that it is a pink-ball Test, the impact that that brand new ball can have and the impact that Travis Head can have batting at No. 5 when the pink ball does go a bit soft and the game can sort of, the wicket can flatten out. I like him at five still, just to be that real explosive player through the middle order,” he added.

Usman Khawaja was pushed down to No. 4 in the Australia playing 11 on the first day in Perth but managed only a brief stay at the crease, gloving a rising delivery from Brydon Carse. His form has been a subject of discussion even before the Ashes began, as he had scored just one Test century in his previous 44 innings. Despite the scrutiny, the upcoming Brisbane Test presents a familiar and favourable setting for Khawaja. The Gabba is effectively his home ground, and he holds the record for the most runs in day-night first-class matches at the venue — a factor that could work strongly in his favour.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes the team management will resist making any drastic changes to the batting order. According to him, Australia are likely to stick with their original plan, with Khawaja resuming his role at the top if fully fit. Clarke expects continuity rather than experimentation as Australia prepare for the pink-ball challenge.

"I think he plays. I think if he's fit, they will give him another chance. I think a few days and Uzzie will be sweet. He hasn't had this back problem that many times throughout his career, so I think he will be fit,” stated former Aussie cricketer Michael Clarke. 

Meanwhile, both Michael Clarke and Aaron Finch agreed that Nathan Lyon should be an automatic selection for the Brisbane Test, regardless of his limited involvement in Perth. Lyon bowled only two overs in the series opener and was previously omitted from the day-night Ashes Test in Jamaica earlier this year, raising questions about his role in pink-ball conditions. However, Clarke and Finch stressed that Lyon’s experience, control, and ability to create pressure remain invaluable, especially at the Gabba, where Australia will look to maintain their dominance. They believe his presence brings essential balance to the attack and that leaving him out again would be a tactical mistake, particularly against an England side vulnerable to quality spin.

Predicted Australia playing XI

Usman Khawaja
Jake Weatherald
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith (C)
Travis Head
Cameron Green
Alex Carey
Mitchell Starc
Nathan Lyon
Scott Boland
Josh Hazlewood