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Clarke backs Khawaja; Finch wants Travis Head at 5 in 2nd Ashes Test despite record hundred

Aakash Saini

Travis Head and Aaron Finch [Source: AFP, @AUNewsToday/x]Travis Head and Aaron Finch [Source: AFP, @AUNewsToday/x]

Former Australian cricketers Michael Clarke and Aaron Finch have given their takes over Australia’s opening combination for the upcoming second Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series against England in Brisbane. While Clarke has backed Usman Khawaja to open the innings for Australia despite his recent back spasm, Finch believes that Travis Head is Australia’s best bet at number five, even though the firebrand batter bludgeoned a record match-winning century in the series-opener at Perth last week.

Moreover, both of Australia’s World Cup winning skippers are also convinced that legendary off-spinner Nathan Lyon should continue to play as his presence offers a balance to the team’s bowling attack.

Aaron Finch and Clarke discuss Australia’s team combination

Former Australian opener and 2021 T20 World Cup winning skipper Aaron Finch wants Travis Head to keep batting at number five for Australia, even though the cricketer recently bludgeoned a record century as an opener in the first Test. While speaking on ESPN’s Around the Wicket, he said:

“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 [Travis Head] up there and you just launch into it from day one of a Test.”

Aaron Finch added:

“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.”

Australia’s 2015 World Cup winning captain Michael Clarke, meanwhile, wants Usman Khawaja to open the innings for Australia even though the seasoned pro is suffering from a back spasm and was replaced by Travis Head in the second innings of the first Test in Perth last week. Clarke said:

“I think he plays. I think if he's fit, they 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.”

Both Aaron Finch and Michael Clarke also want Nathan Lyon in the team in the remainder of the Ashes series, with the latter of the two saying:

“He's in my XI every Test match. Unless it's an absolute raging green seamer. Like even Perth, the wicket certainly didn't look that bad. I'm still picking a spinner in my team.”

The second Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series, also a pink-ball affair, will be hosted by the Gabba in Brisbane from December 4.