Travis Head opposed opening in India vs Australia Tests; Mitchell Marsh set to replace Steve Smith

There is a discussion about Australia's opening batting lineup for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series against India later this year.

Former Australia cricketer Ian Healy said that Australian selectors should consider the unorthodox move of picking a partner for Usman Khawaja.

Steve Smith opened the innings with Usman Khawaja after David Warner's retirement earlier this year. However, Smith's promotion delivered mixed results for the Australia Test side.

There are discussions about moving him back to his usual No. 4 position after a challenging tour of New Zealand.

Travis Head and Cameron Green have been touted as a potential opener. Specialist openers like Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, and Cameron Bancroft are also in consideration for the position.

Cameron Green is unlikely to play during the five-match Test series due to concerns over a back injury.

Travis Head Poses A Great Threat - Ian Healy

Ian Healy said that Australian selectors should pick Mitchell Marsh as an opener despite his lack of experience opening in Tests. Healy added that Travis Head should bat in the middle order as he poses a greater threat when the ball isn't swinging much.

"Travis seems hesitant to move up the order, which I understand. He poses a greater threat when the ball isn't swinging as much," Healy commented to SportsBoom.

“I think there is a reluctance from Travis to go up, which I would agree with. He is a much more scary proposition when the ball isn’t doing as much,” he added.

“He should be able to enjoy middle-order freedom. I feel Cameron Green or Mitch Marsh might have been good options, and we know Marnus [Labuschagne] can do that job, but he is also valuable at No.3. I also like Smith opening the batting, maybe more than he does.”

Mitchell Marsh Might Go Out And Open - Ian Healy

Australia's opening batting struggles impacted their performance during their recent Test tours of India. Ian Healy said that Mitchell Marsh could take the opening role with Cameron Green dealing with a back injury. Healy also noted that there's uncertainty about who would bat at the number six position.

“Now Green has a back injury, the pressure might be off, and Marsh might go out and open, and Smith drops down to four, with Marnus and Head on either side. I am not sure who would bat No.6,” Healy said.

Mitchell Marsh Never Opened For Australia In Test Cricket

Mitchell Marsh has opened in ODIs over the past two years. However, he never opened for Australia in the longer format of the game. Notably, the right-handed batter has scored 165 runs in five Tests against India at an average of 18.33. Marsh also said that he prefers batting in the middle order in Test cricket.

On the other hand, Steve Smith has scored an impressive average of 61.5 when batting at No. 4.

Meanwhile, Travis Head has batted in the middle order for South Australia in a match against New South Wales in Sheffield Shield, under the observation of Australia’s selection chairman, George Bailey.

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