DTVHINDI
Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell has warned the Australian team against using Travis Head as an opening batsman in the upcoming five-match Test series against India. The Kangaroos are set to face India in a five-match Test series later this year. The 2024-25 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth.
The Australian team is looking for an opening partner for Usman Khawaja after David Warner announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year. In the last two Test series against West Indies and New Zealand, Steve Smith opened for the Pat Cummins-led side but did not perform as expected.
There is a high possibility that he will be seen batting at number four in this series against India. Now in such a situation, it will be interesting to see who will open for the Australian team in the Test series against India in his absence. Ian Chappell has given his opinion on this issue.
Ian Chappell expressed his opinion regarding Travis Head
In his column for ESPN Cricinfo by ian chappell That said, “Travis Head’s opening in Test cricket is based on his unmatched success facing the new ball in both 50-over and T20 cricket. There is no doubt that Head, with his highly attacking style, is the ideal player to open in the two shorter formats of the game. However, Test cricket will be a completely different thing.”
Ian Chappell further said, “To trouble Jasprit Bumrah, everyone is demanding that Head should open. However, Bumrah and to some extent Mohammed Siraj are unlikely to change their aggressive mindset.” Chappell wants some runs on the board before Travis Head comes to the crease.
He said, “Clever R Ashwin will not be fazed by the ultra-aggressive attitude of the opponent. It could be argued that opening with Head means he is more stable facing Ashwin when there are some runs on the board. On the other hand, an astute opposition captain can use off-spinners with the new ball. There is also a compelling argument for using Head as an opening batsman in a Test match.”
