‘Keep the chatter: it makes it interesting’ – Travis Head on debate of him opening in Test cricket

Travis Head on opening in Test cricket. (Source – Getty Images)

Travis Head scored a spectacular century in the first ODI against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Thursday, September 19. After orchestrating a comfortable seven-wicket win, the southpaw said that he is eager to keep the chatter on around his promotion as Australia’s Test opener amid his stellar form at the top of the order in the white-ball formats.

Head smashed a career-best 154 not out off 129 balls as Australia chased down a 316-run target with six overs to spare. After his heroics helped the tourists take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, the 30-year-old was asked whether he would want to open in the longest format of the game as well. Notably, Australia tried Steve Smith at the top of the order after David Warner retired from Test cricket earlier this year. However, the move hasn’t worked so far, with the right-handed batter averaging a paltry 28.50 from eight innings at the top.

Head decided to sit on the fence regarding the matter but he encouraged the cricket fraternity to keep speculating. He also said that he is much more relaxed at this stage of his career than before and is enjoying how he is playing.

“Keep the chatter: it makes it interesting. I’m not going to dive into that. I’ll just let that play out. I’ve worked extremely hard over a few years and I probably play the game a bit more relaxed now. I take it for what it is and try to enjoy what I’m doing. It’s coming off in the way I’m playing,” Head was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

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Travis Head’s numbers as Test opener

While Head has played most of his Test cricket at the No. 5 position in the batting order, the swashbuckling batter also has the experience of opening in the format.

Also Read: ‘I’ve worked extremely hard and it’s coming off in my playing’ – Travis Head reflects after huge ton in first England ODI

He has batted in five innings at the top of the order and scored 223 runs at an average of 55.75. Head also has a half-century as an opener, having smashed 90 in Ahmedabad. Pat Cummins and Co. are set to host India for five Test matches, starting in November. It will be interesting to see what opening combination Australia goes with in the high-voltage series.