Travis Head's Role in Australia's Middle Order for Upcoming Pink-Ball Test

As Australia prepares for the second Test against England, former captain Aaron Finch advocates for Travis Head's position in the middle order. Head's recent performance, including a match-winning century, has sparked discussions about team strategy, especially with the unique challenges posed by the pink ball. Finch emphasizes the importance of Head's explosive batting style in the middle order, suggesting it could be crucial for Australia's success. With the series currently in Australia's favor, the upcoming match promises to be an exciting contest. Read on to find out more about the team's dynamics and strategies.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 27, 2025, 02:02 IST

Finch Advocates for Head's Position in the Middle Order

In New Delhi, former Australian captain Aaron Finch has expressed his belief that Travis Head is ideally suited for the middle-order position in the Australian lineup for the upcoming second Test against England, set to take place in Brisbane on December 4. This match will feature the pink ball, adding a unique challenge for the players.

Head showcased his exceptional talent by scoring a match-winning century in the Ashes opener held in Perth, where he dominated the England bowlers with a stunning 123 runs off just 83 balls, leading Australia to successfully chase a target of 205 runs with eight wickets remaining.

The position of Usman Khawaja as an opener is now under scrutiny following Head's impressive performance, particularly after Khawaja experienced back spasms that limited his play during the second day of the match.

Finch noted that the pink-ball aspect of the upcoming Test will influence how Australia might configure their team. He emphasized that having Head bat in the middle order is the preferred strategy.

He stated, "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. But I just feel as though the fact that it is a pink-ball test, the impact 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," Finch added.

In the first innings of the Perth Test, England managed to score 172 runs, with Harry Brook contributing 52 runs. Australia’s Mitchell Starc was outstanding, taking seven wickets for 58 runs. In response, Australia was dismissed for 132 runs, with England's captain Ben Stokes claiming five wickets.

England then posted 164 runs in their second innings, setting a target of 205 runs. During the chase, Head's explosive century, along with Marnus Labuschagne's unbeaten 51, secured an eight-wicket victory for Australia, who now lead the five-match Test series 1-0.