Travis Head’s 69-ball century helped Australia win by eight wickets in Perth, but captain Steve Smith remained unsure about whether he would continue to open the batting after a hectic maiden Ashes Test.
Head replaced Usman Khawaja, who had been off the pitch for a while in England’s second innings owing to back spasms, to open the batting for the first time in a Test innings outside of South Asia.
After Marnus Labuschagne was assigned the task in the first innings, his ascent changed the course of the match. He hit 123 off 83 balls to remove England’s all-out speed attack off the lengths that had worked so well on the first day.
For a while now, Australia has been concerned about the available positions. There may be a push for Head to play the job often in this series given Khawaja’s pressure at 38 and Jake Weatherald’s debut scores of 0 and 23.
“The last couple of hours have been pretty incredible,” Smith told reporters following the game. “Let’s just digest this first.” “What we just saw was quite amazing, but it’s definitely too early to comment on that. I’m happy I was able to witness it in the house.
“With Marn going up top and me hitting three, we didn’t like how things went in the first inning. In order to play one of the greatest Ashes knocks, Trav took it on.
After suffering back spasms on day one, Khawaja was pulled off the pitch during England’s second innings. After straining high for a ball that soared above him in the slips, he had further agony even though he was well enough to play on day two.
“This morning, he was reasonable. At one point, I genuinely believed it was his knee,” Smith remarked. Fortunately, the back spasms were the same. Given the circumstances [of Head’s century], he [Khawaja] previously stated that it’s likely one of the nicest back spasms he’s ever experienced.
Khawaja’s untimely absence from the pitch during England’s opening innings, which prevented him from opening the batting, was described by Smith as “a little frustrating.” In the end, Khawaja batted at number four and was out for just two runs.
“Wasn’t ideal, it all happened pretty quickly,” he stated. “I was informed that he had to be on the pitch in order to bat, I believe right before we took the final wicket.
“With Labuschagne opening, I believe that’s the reason we landed where we did yesterday. We had a little more time today to go over it and figure it out.
“Those things are possible in the game, after all. Nobody is at fault. Go ahead.
Smith backed Khawaja’s choice to play golf before the Test match, much like Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg did. “He’s not moving particularly well in there, the old fella, but his preparation was the same as it’s been for every Test match I think that he’s played,” he continued.
“By no means was anything out of alignment there. Regretfully, early in the game, he simply pulled up a little lame. When your back is turned, that is what occurs.
“I know what it’s like when your back gives out; it’s not a pleasant situation. Therefore, I am currently feeling his anguish.”
With only two overs bowled in the seam-friendly conditions, offspinner Nathan Lyon had very little to do during the game. However, he was clearly suffering in the field after taking a hit to his hip while hitting.
He is constantly flaunting his bruises. But he’s tough, he’ll be alright,” Smith remarked.
Amid concerns that he would miss the entire series due to a hamstring issue, there has been no update on Josh Hazlewood’s speed. However, as he recovers well from a lower back ailment, Pat Cummins has indicated that he may be able to return for the second Test in Brisbane beginning on December 4.
“It’s moving along nicely and on course. During the Fox Sports broadcast, Cummins stated, “I’m half a chance for the next game.” “I’m pretty hopeful and it’s probably better than it was a few weeks ago.”
India
