Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell has issued a stern warning to Pat Cummins and the Australian team regarding the potential move of Travis Head to the opener’s position in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.

Following the retirement of David Warner from Test cricket, Australia find themselves grappling with a dilemma at the top of the batting order. While Steve Smith temporarily filled the opener’s role, his lackluster performance—averaging just 28.5—has sparked discussions about reverting him back to his natural number four position. The shift in dynamics at the top of the order has left selectors pondering the best possible options to ensure a solid start against a formidable Indian bowling lineup.

Chappell’s insights reflect a broader concern regarding Australia’s strategy as they prepare for the high-stakes series against India. The pressure to find a reliable opener is mounting, especially given the expectations surrounding the team in a home series. With past performances weighing heavily on the players, the management must navigate this challenge carefully to build a competitive batting order.

Concerns about Travis Head’s ability to adapt

Chappell’s primary concern lies in the possibility of Head, who has enjoyed significant success at the top in white-ball formats, being tasked with the responsibility of opening in Test cricket. He emphasized that the demands of Test cricket are far more complex than those in limited-overs formats.

In his column for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell articulated his views, stating, “Head opening in Test cricket is based on his unbridled success facing the new ball in both 50-over and T20 cricket. There’s no doubt Head, with his ultra-aggressive style, is the ideal player to open in the two short forms of the game. However, Test cricket is an entirely different proposition.”

Chappell’s warning serves as a reminder that while Head has excelled in limited-overs formats, adapting to the nuances of Test cricket—such as handling prolonged spells from quality bowlers and adjusting to varying pitch conditions—may prove to be a significant challenge.

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Risks of targeting India’s bowling attack

Chappell elaborated that moving Head to the opening position in an attempt to unsettle India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah would place undue pressure on the batter. He pointed out that Bumrah, along with fellow fast bowler Mohammad Siraj, are unlikely to change their attacking strategies, making the task even more daunting for Head.

“Any move to open with Head that is designed to unsettle Jasprit Bumrah is asking a lot of the batter. Bumrah, and to a lesser extent Mohammad Siraj, are unlikely to be battered into altering their attacking mentality,” Chappell added.

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