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"Batting orders are overrated": Travis Head agrees with Cummins for role debate in The Ashes

Soumyajit Dutta

Travis Head [Source: @ICC/X.com]Travis Head [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Travis Head has proven himself to be a remarkably flexible batter, equally devastating whether opening the innings or playing in the middle order, and this also led him to the belief that rigid batting orders are the worst enemies of a team.

For Head, the focus should simply be on using the available players in whatever way wins the match, which partly reflects captain pat Cummins' mindset too.

Travis Head questions rigid batting order for teams

Travis Head explained his team's flexible approach, as seen in the Perth Test, where Usman Khawaja was not sent up to bat because of his recurring back issues. Head reflected captain Cummins' view on the 'overrated' batting order.

“I think you could use this order and these players in a range of different ways, and whatever way that is (needed) to win games of cricket. I agree with Pat that (batting orders) are slightly overrated. The traditionalists will say that that's how it's got to be but this is where the game's going - when to use that and when's the right time? We're going to have good moments of it; we're going to have bad moments of it. But it's ever-evolving,” Head said ahead of the second Test.

Travis Head revealed that these tactical discussions are not new and have been run again and again by the team in case of woeful scenarios like Khawaja had. 

“We've thrown out scenarios a fair bit over the last few years. We've talked about that a lot - how do you get there, and what personnel do you have to be able to potentially do that, and the personalities in the line-up. It's just trying to work it out in game and in moments when that may come out and when you may use that," Head said.

Travis Head up and flexible for any role in The Ashes

When Usman Khawaja was injured in Perth, Head was eager to step up as an unexpected opener in the second innings. He drew on his white-ball experience for the quick switch as he hit a masterclass. While he has opened in Tests before, mainly in Asia, this was his first chance at home, and the Aussie destructor is open to the role in the second Test as well.

Nevertheless, Travis Head will be an important deciding factor for the Gabba battle that is slated for December 4 and with no fruitful update on Usman Khawaja's injury, the southpaw might again be the favourite to open for Australia alongside Jake Weatherald.