Travis Head’s unexpected move to the top of the order at the start of the Ashes proved a masterstroke
Mike Hussey believes Travis Head can be Australia’s next David Warner as calls grow for the larrikin left-hander to remain at the top of the batting order.
Head scored his third century of the summer and was named player of the match as Australia clinched a five-wicket win at the SCG to confirm a 4-1 NRMA Insurance Ashes series victory on Thursday.
While the South Australian had previously opened in Tests on the subcontinent, he only shifted to the top at home after Usman Khawaja suffered a back injury during the series opener in Perth.
But Head said during the fifth Test it was “probably likely” he would remain there long-term; his batting average in this summer’s Ashes (62.9) was his highest for any series in which he has played more than two Tests.
Head’s sparkling series comes after Australia trialled seven different opening partnerships across the two years that followed Warner’s retirement in early 2024.
Questions remain as to Head’s long-term partner after a middling first Test series for Jake Weatherald, who averaged 22.33 across the five Tests.
Test legend Hussey sees resemblance between the fearless ball-striking of Head and Warner, who earlier in the series also endorsed Head to open permanently.
“(Head) scored three hundreds in an Ashes series and played so well,” Hussey told AAP.
“I guess it’s kind of like the same style of play as David Warner, so he can sort of take that Warner role and he’s doing it pretty well at the moment.
“He looks like he’s enjoying it and wants to do the role. So why not I guess?”
At close of play in the fifth Test, Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith also likened Head to his long-time former teammate Warner.
“I think the way he’s just come out and put the pressure on the opposition from ball one has been incredible, similar to what Davey used to do,” Smith said.
“He puts you right under the pump. If you miss, it’s going to the fence.”
Australia are preparing for their busiest 12 months on record to begin in August, with up to 21 Tests on the cards starting with a two-match series against Bangladesh.
Hussey warned there would inevitably be challenges for Head if he remained at the top in the long-term.
“You’re going to go through some tough periods,” the Fox Cricket commentator said.
“(But) he finds a way in big games, like World Test Championship finals, World Cup finals, Ashes series. He’s been amazing.”
2025-26 NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes
First Test: Australia won by eight wickets
Second Test: Australia won by eight wickets
Third Test: Australia won by 82 runs
Fourth Test: England won by four wickets
Fifth Test: Australia won by five wickets
Australia squad (fifth Test): Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue
