Travis Head’s impressive form at the top of the order and his success in recent white-ball series has sparked speculations about his potential role as an opener for Australia in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy series against India.

After smashing an unbeaten century, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Head can replicate his aggressive approach in white ball on to the longer format of the game as well.

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BGT: Will Travis Head open for Australia in Tests against India?

David Warner’s departure from the national side following his retirement has left a significant gap in the Australian Test batting lineup.

While Steve Smith has excelled at number four, his recent performance, including only one half-century in eight innings as an opener, suggests that a reshuffle may be necessary.

Recent comments from coach Andrew McDonald also suggest that Smith might shift back to the middle order, paving the way for an alternative batter, which Head could potentially fill if he opens the batting alongside Usman Khawaja.

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Does Australia batter Usman Khawaja want Travis Head as opening partner for India Tests?

Ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy series starting in November, Khawaja stated that he would like the Australian team to try out Head at the top of the order, with Smith likely to move back to the middle order.

“At the end of the day, it is a decision for the selectors. But if you have me opening, Labuschagne three, Smith four… I feel like Travis Head might be best suited,” Khawaja told Fox Cricket.

“He has obviously been very successful opening the batting in one-day cricket, and, breaking it down, I would probably lean towards him. But again, it is not my decision,” he added.

Khawaja believes that while Smith could still succeed at some point as an opener, he suggested that the former captain could be more effective at Number 4 in the middle order.

“When you have got your best batsman, you want to protect him. And in Australia, the hardest time to bat, by far, is that first hour. New Kookaburra ball, new wicket, it is always the hardest time, I do not care who you are. And do not get me wrong, Steve Smith will score runs as an opening batsman. But will he score more batting number four? I reckon he will,” Khawaja concluded, hinting at potentially reuniting with Head at the top of the order in Tests.

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Head previously had stint as an opener during the 2023 Test tour of India, where he scored an unbeaten 49 and 90 in challenging conditions, which has only bolstered his case.

While some may question his suitability as a Test opener, Head’s recent form and his ability to withstand pressure suggests that he has the potential to succeed as opener in red-ball cricket as well.