Teen sensation Sam Konstas has been dropped for Australia’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, with Travis Head set to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja. Despite Konstas’ heroics in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy win, the selectors have opted for Head, citing his prior success in subcontinent conditions.
Head, who impressed as an opener in the 2023 India tour, averaged 55.75 across two-and-a-half Tests in similar conditions, putting spinners under pressure and tackling seam effectively.
Acting captain Steve Smith backed the decision, calling Head’s promotion to the top “good fun to watch.”
Konstas, only 19 and on his first subcontinent tour, may still find a place in the middle order, where a vacancy has opened at No. 5 following Head’s promotion. Smith noted Australia would finalise the XI based on conditions, highlighting the expected spin dominance of the Galle pitch.
Other contenders for the No. 5 spot include Nathan McSweeney, Cooper Connolly, and uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis. McSweeney, who struggled as an opener against India’s Jasprit Bumrah, could return to the middle order, while Connolly offers off-spin options. Inglis, with a stellar domestic average of 72.6 this summer, might add an attacking edge.
Australia’s bowling attack remains flexible, with Smith hinting at either two frontline quicks or three spinners. Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, back after a thumb injury, joins Todd Murphy and veteran Nathan Lyon as spin options.
Smith praised Konstas’ potential, emphasising the development opportunity this tour offers, even if the young opener misses out on the XI.
“He’ll get a lot of practice if he doesn’t play, which is great for his growth,” Smith said, comparing the situation to his own 2013 tour experience.
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