Overview
- Travis Head’s Willow Talk podcast comments suggest he expects to walk out with Jake Weatherald to open in Adelaide.
- Usman Khawaja, named in the squad after a back complaint ruled him out in Brisbane, is pushing to prove his fitness before the third Test.
- Coach Andrew McDonald says Khawaja has the flexibility to bat outside the top two and could be used in the middle order.
- Head and Weatherald have averaged 63 across three opening stands, including Head’s Perth century and Weatherald’s 72 in Brisbane.
- Supporters note Khawaja’s two previous Test centuries at No. 5 and his strong record versus spin, with Matt Renshaw backing him to slot in if selected.