Travis Head reveals who made the master call to open with him in Perth after Usman Khawaja’s injury

Australia kicked off their 2025-26 Ashes campaign with a spectacular eight-wicket win over England as Travis Head turned the first Test into a one-man show at Optus Stadium in Perth. With Usman Khawaja sidelined due to a minor injury, Travis Head got the chance to grab all the attention.

Chasing a tricky target of 225 runs on Perth’s rough surface, Head opened the innings alongside debutant Jake Weatherald, while Marnus Labuschagne was held back at number three. The left-handed hitter started cautiously, taking a few overs to adjust to the pitch and bounce.

Travis Head steals the show as Australia crushes England in 2025-2026 Ashes opener

Once Head settled down, he took charge, hitting every loose ball and handling short deliveries with ease. Weatherald (23) supported him well, and together they added a brilliant opening partnership of 75 runs. Then Head punished the English bowlers and reached his fifty off just 36 balls.

Head powered his way to a brilliant 123, completing a century off just 69 balls. He also built a remarkable and unbeaten partnership of 117 runs with Labuschagne, who also hit a stunning fifty as Australia chased down the target on Day 2 to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

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Following Australia’s dominant win in the first Ashes Test against England, Head has shared an interesting backstory behind his incredible defeat. Although the opening of the Head with Weatherald in Perth surprised many, this plan did not come about suddenly.

The swashbuckling batsman revealed that Marnus Labuschagne was also being considered for the role, but the team trusted him to adopt England’s short-ball strategy. He said this was the decision they had discussed many times and it worked perfectly for them in Perth.

Travis Head reveals how the opening roll came about in the Ashes opener

Travis Head said during the post-match presentation: “About two years ago! (laughs) No, to be honest I enjoyed doing it. It doesn’t bother me that much. We had talked about it – we know what England’s short-ball plans look like; we’ve seen a lot of it in 2023. The coaching staff and Patty (Pat Cummins) had a few ideas, and this was one of them. Glad it worked out today.”

The star batsman said it was a collective call from the head coach, Andrew McDonald, captain Pat Cummins and senior players such as Steve Smith.

Head went on to explain: “A bit of everyone – coach (Andrew McDonald), captain, a few older players. There were a few options thrown around the room. I was excited and there was support for it. It could easily have been Marnus standing for the first time too. But the thinking was good: go out there, trust the plans and see what happens. And today it paid off.”

Also read: Ben Stokes ‘Shellshocked’ after Travis Head’s astonishing 69-ball century in Ashes opener

Travis Head calls his Perth knock one of his best

Ultimately, Head rated his Perth innings as one of his best and was pleased to give Australia a perfect start to the Ashes series. However, the 31-year-old batsman jokes that it must be disappointing for the 60,000 fans expecting another day of action in Perth.

He concluded by saying: “Yesterday wasn’t a great day for us; today was a bit difficult at times… So to come away with a win like that in two days is huge. I almost feel sorry for the 60,000 people who bought tickets for tomorrow.”