Blocked! Travis Head’s return as opener in Sri Lanka Tests denied by Steve Smith

Australia National Cricket Team batter Travis Head might have to continue in the middle order for the upcoming Test series against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. As per cricket.com.au, the left-hander is touted as the opener for the two-match series but there is no certainty as of yet.

There were talks that the Australia National Cricket Team might ask Travis Head to open the innings, considering that his attacking batting suits best at the top in Asian conditions when the ball is hard and the field is up. But it might not be the case with the way things unfolded in preparation in Dubai.

Travis Head was asked to bat the middle order during the preparatory camp in Dubai ahead of Sri Lanka Tests

Travis Head, during the preparations on Wednesday, was asked to bat in the middle order. He batted with the same intensity as he played cover drive at the first ball he faced in his hour-long batting stint. With him batting in the middle, it raised speculation that he may remain in his more customary role.

The Australia National Cricket Team's session started with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne playing the new balls. What caught the attention of many was Sam Konstas, who opened for Australia in the last series against India, wasn't called up to bat till the Afternoon.

Following the session of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Nathan McSweeney batted in the next centre-wicket. The team had a five-hour session, and Steve Smith, who is yet to recover fully from an elbow injury, was also seen there.

Steve Smith spent almost an hour batting against local spinners when Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Nathan McSweeney batted in the middle

When Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Nathan McSweeney batted in the middle, Steve Smith joined Khawaja in the nets and spent almost an hour batting against local spinners. What was noticeable was the batter didn't show any major signs of discomfort.

In terms of bowling, the new ball was taken by Scott Boland and Sean Abbott. After their bowling, Nathan Lyon bowled a lengthy spell in tandem with 21-year-old uncapped allrounder Cooper Connolly. Todd Murphy also bowled in pair with Beau Webster against the middle-order batting trio.

Sam Konstas could bat in the middle order against Sri Lanka in the Test series

In the end, Sam Konstas was asked to bat when he, Webster, and keeper Alex Carey faced Boland and Abbott in their second spells. With him batting in the middle, it is expected that he won't be opening the innings in the two-match Test series against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team.

The Test series between the Australia National Cricket Team and the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team will begin on 29th January, followed by the second game of the series to be played on the 6th of February. Both the games will be played at the Galle International Stadium in Galle.

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