Overview

• Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, who have never opened together in T20 internationals, will debut as Australia’s opening pair in the series opener against South Africa in Darwin on August 10.
• The decision ends a year of experimentation that saw five different opening combinations tested after David Warner’s retirement.
• Selectors backed the duo to bring stability at the top of the batting order as Australia begins its campaign for the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
• Power-hitter Tim David remains under consideration for promotion up the order following his record-breaking 37-ball century against the West Indies.
• The Darwin series marks the first international T20 in the city since 2008 and inaugurates Australia’s pathway to co-hosting the 2026 tournament.