The two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia is set to begin on January 29, with both matches taking place at the iconic Galle International Stadium.
Following the Test series, the teams will face off in two ODIs in Colombo, serving as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which starts on February 19. Ahead of the Test series, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has weighed in on Australia’s selection strategy, particularly the crucial choice of openers.
Ricky Ponting’s verdict on Travis Head
Speaking to SENQ Breakfast, Ponting has expressed his reluctance to push Travis Head to the top of Australia’s batting order for the Sri Lanka tour. Head has been Australia’s standout performer at No. 5 in recent years, showcasing remarkable consistency. However, his record in Asia doesn’t match his achievements elsewhere; from 10 matches on the continent, he has yet to register a Test century.
Head’s underwhelming performances in Asia and the absence of David Warner due to injury previously provided him with an opportunity to open during Australia’s tour of India in 2023. However, Ponting believed Head should remain in the middle order.
“There’s been a bit of talk about maybe Travis Head going back to the top of the order over in the subcontinent, as he did on the last Indian tour. But I personally wouldn’t do that. I think Khawaja needs to play because he needs to get back into some sort of rhythm of making Test match runs. His play of spin in the last couple of years has really improved, so I’d leave him there,” Ponting said.
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Australian openers for the Sri Lanka Tests
Ponting advocates for giving young opener Sam Konstas with Usman Khawaja a chance in Sri Lanka’s challenging conditions, prioritizing long-term development. He believed that introducing young talents like Konstas in foreign conditions is crucial for Australia’s future in Test cricket.
“I wouldn’t be moving Konstas either. I think it’s a great opportunity for this Australian team to blood these young blokes, especially on a tour like this to Sri Lanka, which is so different. It’s going to be so foreign to probably anything he’s ever done before in his life,” the 50-year-old added.
The legendary cricketer emphasized that the Sri Lanka tour is an ideal setting for Konstas to refine his skills away from the intense scrutiny of Australian media and fans.
“Having come into Test cricket in a whirlwind against India, I think this tour presents Konstas with the perfect opportunity to get away from the buzz, spotlight, and media attention that he has had here in Australia. It’ll be good for him to learn what it’s actually like to be an international cricketer on the road in really tough, challenging foreign conditions,” Ponting concluded.
