Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has warned against using Travis Head in the upcoming five-match Test series against India.
Ian Chappell has said that Travis Head will not be successful as a opener in Test cricket despite his modest success with the new ball in limited-over formats.
Australia is currently facing the challenge of finding an opening partner for Usman Khawaja for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
This dilemma comes after the retirement of David Warner from Test cricket. Steve Smith and Travis Head as possible candidates for the much awaited Test series.
Based on Travis Head Opening in Test Cricket – Ian Chappell
In a column for ESPNCricinfo, Ian Chappell said that Travis Head’s aggressive style would not be successful in Test cricket. Chappell added that Head’s success in the shorter formats does not guarantee a similar performance in the longer format.
“The opening head in Test cricket is based on his unbridled success in facing the new ball in both 50-over and T20 cricket. There is no doubt that Head, with his ultra-aggressive style, is the ideal player to open in the two shorter formats. However, Test cricket is a completely different game. is a suggestion,” Chappell wrote.
Travis Head has enjoyed success as a opener in limited overs cricket. The left-hander scored 1745 runs in 36 ODIs and 774 runs in 22 T20Is.
Although he has batted at the top of the order in white-ball formats, Head has been a reliable No.5 middle-order batsman for Australia in Test cricket.
Steve Smith’s experience in the middle order could be crucial in the upcoming series against India. Smith took over the opening role in Tests after the retirement of David Warner. However, the right-handed batsman scored 171 runs in eight innings at an average of 28.50 with a half-century.
Made to trouble Jasprit Bumrah – Ian Chappell
Ian Chappell has highlighted that opening batsmen will face more challenges in Test cricket than in the shorter formats. The former cricketer said promoting Head could be either desperation or adventurism.
“It makes the opening in Test cricket even more difficult when a bowler who runs extra catch pitches and is able to release the favored bowler for longer,” he said.
“Any move to open up with Head designed to unsettle Jasprit Bumrah is asking a lot. Bumrah and to a lesser extent Mohammed Siraj are unlikely to be beaten to change their attacking mindset,” Chappell said.
Ashwin unlikely to panic – Ian Chappell
The 81-year-old said Travis Head may struggle with quality off-spin. Chappell added that Ravichandran is unlikely to be panicked by Ashwin Head’s ultra-aggressive approach, adding that the Indian skipper could use the off-spinner strategically with the new ball.
“National R Ashwin is less likely to be panicked by the opponent’s ultra-aggressive approach. Arguably, opening with Head, he will be more determined against Ashwin with some runs on the board. On the other hand, a smart Opposing captain can use an offspinner with the new ball.”
“Any argument for using a test match as an opener has a compelling counterpoint,” Chappell said.
