Following the dramatic finish to the first Test of the Ashes 2025/26, stand-in skipper Steven Smith refused to confirm who would open for Australia as from now. Travis Head’s extraordinary 69-ball hundred secured an eight-wicket win in Perth, but Smith insists on giving his side time before making long-term decisions.
Head’s Brilliant 123 Throws Up a Big Question: Who Will Open for Australia?
Travis Head – replacing the injured Usman Khawaja, who had back spasms during England’s second innings – opened the batting for the first time outside of South Asia.
Head seized the opportunity with a blistering 123 off 83 balls, dismantling England’s fast bowling attack and shifting the match decisively in Australia’s favour.
At 38, Khawaja has once again battled fitness issues, and Jake Weatherald scored 0 and 23 on debut, so the debate over Who Will Open for the rest of the Ashes 2025/26 has become even more heated.
Smith, however, remained cautious.
“Let’s digest this first… what we witnessed was incredible,” Smith said. “It’s too early to say anything about changes, but Trav played one of the great Ashes knocks.
Khawaja’s Back Spasms Complicate the Opening Debate
The recurring back spasms of Khawaja forced him off the field and ruled him out from opening in the first innings. He finally came in to bat at No.4 and was dismissed for 2.
Smith conceded that the situation was frustrating:
“It all happened pretty quickly… wasn’t ideal. But sometimes these things happen in cricket.”
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Despite criticism over Khawaja playing golf before the match, Smith stoutly defended the veteran opener’s preparation, noting it was consistent with his usual routine.
Team Fitness Update Ahead of Brisbane Test
With Australia preparing to take on England in the second Ashes Test, 2025/26, clear injury updates raise more speculation about Who Will Open and the structure of the team.
Nathan Lyon
Bowled only two overs due to seam-friendly conditions.
Suffered a hip knock but is expected to recover
“He’s tough… he’ll be fine,” Smith confirmed
Josh Hazlewood
Still no clarity on his hamstring injury
Fears persist that he may miss the whole series.
Pat Cummins
Provided positive news about his lower-back recovery
Says he is “half a chance” to return for the Brisbane Test starting on December 4
Smith Urges Patience on Opening-Batsman Decision
With a whirlwind finish in Perth and injuries clouding selection discussions, Smith has urged patience before locking in Who Will Open for the remainder of the Ashes 2025/26 series.
He acknowledged the success of Head’s temporary promotion but reiterated the need for proper evaluation. “Today, we had more time to work it out… Trav took on the challenge brilliantly. But we’ll assess everything before making a call.”
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