Finch says Head should bat at No. 5 in the pink-ball Test

Finch says Head should bat at No. 5 in the pink-ball Test

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch says Travis Head should play as a middle-order batter for the day-night Test at the Gabba, even after his explosive century as a stand-in opener in Perth.

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch says Travis Head should still bat at No. 5 in the pink-ball Test at the Gabba, even though he scored a fast century as an opener in Perth. Finch and Michael Clarke also agree that Nathan Lyon must play, as Australia decides on the best team to face England after their big win in the first Ashes Test.

Usman Khawaja’s place is being discussed because Head did so well opening the batting. Head moved up the order when Khawaja had back spasms and couldn’t open. He also missed his spot in the first innings because England were bowled out too quickly for him to return to the field.

Finch said the pink ball changes things for the next Test, and that makes Head more valuable in the middle order.

He said that if this wasn’t a pink-ball Test, he might consider letting Head open, but with the pink ball swinging more when it’s new, Head is better at No. 5 when the ball gets softer and the pitch becomes easier to bat on. He likes Head as an attacking middle-order player.

Khawaja batted at No. 4 on day one in Perth and was caught off a rising ball. His form was already questioned before the Ashes because he had only one Test hundred in his last 44 innings.

The Gabba is Khawaja’s home ground, and he is the highest run-scorer in day-night matches there. Clarke believes Australia will keep him in the team.

Clarke said Khawaja should get another chance if he is fit, and he expects the few days’ rest to help his back recover. He added that Khawaja hasn’t had this injury often in his career.

Both Clarke and Finch also think Nathan Lyon must play in Brisbane, even though he bowled only two overs in Perth and was left out of a day-night Test in Jamaica earlier this year.

Clarke said Lyon should always be in the team unless the pitch is extremely green. Finch added that Lyon’s role is very important and that leaving him out at the Gabba should not even be considered.

Australia also need to decide if Pat Cummins will be fit for the match. He bowled with the pink ball in Sydney and said during the Perth Test that he has “half a chance” to be ready.

Finch said Australia will not take risks. If Cummins is fully fit, he will play, but if he is even slightly unsure, they will not pick him. He said it’s a long series, and there’s no need to rush him back.