Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has warned the Pat Cummins-led team against using Travis Head as opener against India. Australia will host the sub-continent nation for five Tests starting November 2024. India have won four consecutive bilateral Test series against Australia, including two Down Under.

Australia haven’t been able to find a batter, who can score consistently as an opener after David Warner’s retirement from Test cricket. Steve Smith was promoted in the batting order but his returns have been ordinary.

He averages 28.50 as an opener, which is lower than his numbers at No.3 of No. 4 spots. The right-handed batter has scored runs at 67.08 and 61.51 respectively.

Australia are looking at different options as Steve Smith’s experience in the middle-order could prove beneficial for Australia against India. Travis Head, who has done well in the opening slot for Australia in white-ball cricket, is one of the contenders to replace Smith.

While the southpaw opened for Australia in Tests in India, former Australia cricketer Ian Chappell is against this possible move. In his latest column at ESPNcricinfo, Chappell wrote the promoting a middle-order batter to open the innings will not impact the India bowlers at all.

“Australia are planning to open the batting with Travis Head because of his success in white-ball formats. His ultra-aggressive style is suited to the two short formats. However, Test cricket is different.

“You can’t unsettle Jasprit Bumrah by giving a new responsibility to Travis Head. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will not alter their attacking mentality even if Head opens the innings,” he wrote.

The veteran cricket further wrote that Head will do better if there some runs on the board. According to him, Ravichandran Ashwin will target Head if he plays as an opener as the off-spinner has done well with the new ball.

“The wily R Ashwin is unlikely to be troubled by the ultra-aggressive approach. Head would feel confident against Ashwin if there are runs on the board. A smart rival captain can utilise the off-spinner with a new ball.”