Travis Head has confirmed he is likely to remain as Australia’s opener in future Test matches after a sensational Ashes 2025-26 series that saw him smash three centuries and emerge as one of the stars of the tournament. The destructive left-hander has been in phenomenal form since moving to the top of the order during the first Test in Perth, accumulating over 600 runs in the series and playing a central role in Australia’s dominant Ashes campaign.

Head’s journey from middle-order to opening success

The 32-year-old has been superb since moving to the top of the order in the second innings of the first Test in Perth due to Usman Khawaja’s back injury. After a match-winning 123 there, he cracked 170 at Adelaide and followed it up with a power-packed 163 in Sydney to put Australia in a strong position in the fifth and final Test. The hosts held a 134-run lead with three wickets in hand heading into day four when Head spoke to the media.

“I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been good and very pleased to be able to contribute the way I have here,” Head said after hitting a 12th Test century.

“Something like 600 runs now (in the series). I’m not normally the one that’s doing the heavy lifting as such. The likes of Marnus (Labuschagne) and Smudge (Steve Smith) over the last period of time have been the heavy-lifters and the guys that have really, really driven games, and Davey (Warner).”

“I’ve been very lucky to bat around those guys. So nice to pull my finger out and help them out on the other side,” he added.

“Probably likely” to continue as opener

Asked if it was a no-brainer that he remains at the top of the order, particularly with Khawaja retiring after the Sydney Test, Head replied: “Probably likely.”

“But again, this rolling order and where we think guys are going to match up and where we’re going to fit guys in is still where my head’s at. And I think the leadership of the group, the selectors, we’ve been pretty open about that – how we match up and and how we want to best suit this team. I’ve always said I’m happy either way,” he explained.

Head’s flexibility and team-first attitude have been hallmarks of his career, but his performances at the top of the order have made a compelling case for him to continue in that role. With Khawaja’s retirement creating a permanent vacancy, Head appears to be the frontrunner to partner whoever fills the other opening spot.

Head backs Steve Smith to continue playing

Stand-in skipper Steve Smith was also on fire during the Sydney Test, hitting a 37th career hundred to be unbeaten on 129. The 36-year-old has been non-committal on his long-term future, but Head said he believed Smith would play on while he was enjoying himself.

“I think he prides himself on obviously his batting ability, but he also brings a lot in leadership,” Head said.

“I think he prides himself on his leadership and he’s done a fantastic job when he has done that, so I think that’s also a motivation to continue. It feels that way. He’s just wanting to contribute to this team and win as many Tests as possible. And while he’s enjoying it, he’s going to hang around.”