Travis Head To Open; Australia's Probable XI For First Test vs Sri Lanka

Abhinav Tyagi

Steve Smith and Travis Head -(Source:@WWAsay/X.com)Steve Smith and Travis Head -(Source:@WWAsay/X.com)

On January 29, Australia will lock horns against Sri Lanka in the first of the two-match series at the Galle International Stadium. It is a dead-rubber series, as Australia have already qualified for the WTC 2025 final, and it will be their last tour of the current Test cycle. 

Australia have already made several changes to their squad as Steve Smith returns as captain. Meanwhile, the right-hand batter too confirmed that Travis Head would get a new role and would open the innings. Thus, several changes are expected in the line-up, for the first Test, and this article will shed on Australia's probable XI.

Travis Head To Open With Usman Khawaja!

While Australia are waiting till the toss to finalise their playing XI, stand-in skipper Steve Smith has confirmed that Travis Head will open the innings with Usman Khawaja. 

"The selectors liked what they saw in India when he (Head) had that opportunity," Smith told reporters ahead of the match. 

Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschange To Headline The Middle-Order

Australia wouldn't look to jumble much in their middle-order and not disturb the successful combination that worked in the BGT. Thus, captain Steve Smith will bat at No.3, followed by Marnus Labuschagne at No.4

Further, Australia need two of their senior stars to tackle the spin and play according to the situation as Head would go all out attack from the first ball. Thus, the No.3 and No.4 will have to provide stability in the batting order.

Test Debut For BBL Star?

At No. 5, the baggy greens would look to go ahead with Beau Webster, who impressed the critics as Mitchell Marsh's replacement vs India. Further, the all-rounder can bat and also chip in with the ball. 

It is no surprise that Sri Lanka will produce an outrank turner surface. Thus, Australia would be inclined to include more spinners in the team, resulting in a potential debut for Cooper Connolly, who impressed in the recently concluded edition of the BBL. Meanwhile, Alex Carey will continue with his usual position of No. 7. 

Mitchell Starc And Scott Boland To Look After Pacer Attack 

In the absence of Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, Australia would look towards Mitchell Starc to be the main man in the pack attack. He will be paired up with Scott Boland, who didn't let Australia miss Hazlewood in the BGT. There were questions over Starc's fitness and him being rested, but it looks like the DC star will have a place in the first Test.

In the spin attack, it will be a paradise for Nathan Lyon, and the Baggy Greens might opt to have Matthew Kuhnemann in the team.

Australia's Probable Playing XI

Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Beau Webster, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann, Scott Boland.