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Jasprit Bumrah To Rattle Travis Head In BGT? Legendary Australian Captain Shares Interesting Insights

Travis Head is being considered for the opener's role in Test cricket [Source: @ICC/x.com]Travis Head is being considered for the opener's role in Test cricket [Source: @ICC/x.com]

In the lead-up to the highly anticipated five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia finds itself in unfamiliar territory — they’re facing a critical opening slot dilemma. With the retirement of David Warner, the selectors are scratching their heads over who should partner Usman Khawaja.

It’s a choice that could make or break Australia’s prospects against India’s high-calibre attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin. While Australia traditionally enters big series with a settled squad and clear strategies, this time, they are navigating uncharted waters.

Ian Chappell’s Take on Head’s Aggressive Approach as Opener

Amid the uncertainty, Steve Smith and Travis Head have emerged as the front-runners to fill the void. Head, known for his attacking play and success in white-ball cricket, is seen by some as a fiery choice.

In fact, Head’s bat blazed brightly against India in the last Border-Gavaskar series, where he averaged 47 across three matches. Yet, former Australian captain Ian Chappell warns that promoting Head to opener in Test cricket may not be the best path to tread.

“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 noted in his column for ESPNCricinfo.

While Head has a knack for setting the fielders on their heels in limited-overs formats, Chappell suggests Test cricket is an entirely different kettle of fish.

“The fielding side employing extra catching fielders and being able to unleash a preferred bowler for longer periods makes opening much tougher in Test cricket,” he said, hinting that Head’s gung-ho style may not translate as well in the longer format.

Adding to the high stakes, opening against India in Australia’s own backyard means facing a fresh Bumrah and Siraj armed with the new ball. Chappell cautions that such a decision may be asking too much of Travis 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," added Chappell.

The seasoned Bumrah and the relentless Siraj aren’t likely to back down in the face of Head’s aggressive approach.

Ashwin Won’t Be Rattled by Head’s Aggression: Ian Chappell

To further complicate matters, Chappell highlighted that Head’s historical struggle against quality off-spin could resurface in this position.

“The wily Ashwin is unlikely to be panicked by an opponent’s ultra-aggressive approach,” he remarked, explaining that Ravichandran Ashwin could be strategically deployed with a relatively new ball to trouble Head early on.

“Amongst any argument to use Head as a Test match opener, there's a compelling counterpoint,” concluded Chappell.

For Australia, the decision to open with Head shows both adventure and desperation. Head’s bold style might disrupt India’s attack, but there’s no sugarcoating the risk involved. 

With the series on the line, the Aussies are walking a tightrope. Will Head’s firepower light up the opening or end in flames? Only time will tell.