Despite his impressive debut series against India, young Sam Konstas will make way for Travis Head at the opening position in Australia’s upcoming Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Head earned this spot based on his strong performance as an opener during Australia’s previous subcontinent tour to India in 2023, where he averaged 55.75 runs.

“He did really nicely in India against the new ball. He put spinners under pressure immediately and we know how well he hits the seam as well if they come with that,” Smith said. “It’s going to be good fun watching him.”

Team captain Steven Smith hasn’t ruled out the possibility of including Konstas elsewhere in the batting lineup, particularly at the number 5 position which is now vacant due to Head’s move to opener. This middle-order spot has several contenders, including Konstas himself, Nathan McSweeney, Cooper Connolly, and Josh Inglis. Head will partner with Usman Khawaja at the top of the order when the Test begins on Wednesday.

“Just playing what’s in front of us, it’s quite different to back home on the surfaces we’ve been playing on there where it’s very pace dominant,” he said. “We’d imagine this is going to be quite spin dominant.”