Despite his century as an opener in Perth, former Australia captain Aaron Finch thinks Travis Head is still best placed to bat at No. 5 in the day-night Test at the Gabba. As the home team considers the optimum team balance to play England after their demolition job, he and Michael Clarke are both certain Nathan Lyon must play.
Following Head’s century at the top of the order—which was brought on by Khawaja’s worsening back spasms on the second day—Khawaja’s position has come under question.
Additionally, England’s rapid collapse had prevented him from getting enough time on the pitch to assume his customary spot in the first innings. Nonetheless, Finch pointed out that Australia’s selection choices are more complicated by the pink-ball element in the second Test and maintained that, in this instance, having Head in the middle order is still the best choice.
“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 [Head] up there and you just launch into it from day one of a Test,” Finch was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
“However, I simply believe that the fact that it’s a pink-ball Test, the impact that the new ball can have, and the impact that Travis Head can have batting at No. 5 when the pink ball does go a little soft and the game can sort of, the wicket can flatten out.” He continued, “I like him at five still, just to be that real explosive player through the middle order.”
On the first day in Perth, Khawaja gloved a rising delivery from Brydon Carse while batting at number four. With just one Test century in his 44 innings prior to the series, his form had already become a discussion topic before the Ashes. Khawaja, who is the top run scorer in day-night first-class matches at the Gabba, would play the Brisbane Test at home. Clarke does not see any significant changes to the batting order and thinks Australia will continue with their current strategy.
“I believe he plays. I believe they will give him another shot if he is fit. Uzzie will be nice in a few days, I believe. I believe he will be fit because he hasn’t experienced this back issue very much in his career,” Clarke added.
Despite bowling just two overs in Perth and missing the day-night Test in Jamaica earlier this year, Lyon should be a sure pick for Brisbane, according to Clarke and Finch.
“He’s definitely in. Every Test match, he is in my starting lineup. Except for a really angry green seafarer. The wicket didn’t appear to be in too awful of shape, just like Perth. Clarke stated, “I’m still choosing a spinner for my team.”
Nathan Lyon has had a significant influence on that team. In Jamaica, we witnessed him not being chosen for the Test, and the circumstances were dire. Australia therefore made the decision that they most likely would not use a spinner at all. From that perspective, I can understand why it occurred in Jamaica. “Nathan Lyon’s exclusion from the Australian XI should never be discussed at the Gabba,” Finch stated.
The other crucial choice is Pat Cummins’ fitness, as he is advocating for a return to Brisbane. He gave himself a good chance of being prepared for the Gabba by bowling with the pink ball on Tuesday in Sydney.
“I believe Australia will follow through on the proposal. He plays when he’s fully fit. He doesn’t play if he’s 95% fit. I believe they will proceed in that manner. Their selection of squads and starting lineups has been incredibly reliable. It’s also a lengthy series for me. “You should not hurry,” Finch remarked.
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