Head to replace Konstas as Aussie opener for first Test

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Head to replace Konstas as Aussie opener for first Test

Travis Head will replace Sam Konstas at the top of Australia’s batting order for the first Sri Lanka Test despite the teenager’s heroics in the triumphant India series.

Captain Steve Smith would not rule out finding a place for Konstas elsewhere in the order for the match that begins in Galle on Wednesday, with a vacancy now open at No.5.

Konstas impressed in his first two Tests to help Australia secure a first series win over India in a decade.

But Head’s supreme efforts as an opener on the previous subcontinent tour in 2023 were enough to win him the spot next to Usman Khawaja.

Head averaged 55.75 runs across two-and-a-half Tests replacing David Warner on that India tour, two years ago.

“He did really nicely in India against the new ball. He put spinners under pressure immediately and we know how well he hits the seam as well if they come with that,” Smith said.

“It’s going to be good fun watching him.”

Konstas, Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis all appear in contention for the middle-order vacancy created by Head’s promotion.

Inglis is uncapped at Test level but in form for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield this summer.

McSweeney struggled facing Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah as an opener in the first three Tests of the India series but bats in the middle order for South Australia.

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