Head stays at opener for second Ashes Test with Khawaja replacement revealed

Australia are set to turn to Josh Inglis for the second Test, with the Western Australian reportedly recalled to bolster the middle order in what shapes as a major reshuffle of the batting line-up.

Captain Steve Smith is expected to confirm the selection at a Wednesday press conference (2.15pm AEDT).

Multiple media outlets have reported the decision to leave first Test match-winner Travis Head at opener after the loss through injury of Usman Khawaja, and bring Inglis into the middle order.

No decision has been made on the makeup of the bowling attack with Nathan Lyon likely to be retained.

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Pat Cummins is highly unlikely to make a surprise return from his back injury with the third Test in Adelaide likely to be his return match.

Queensland veteran Michael Neser is a chance to unseat Brendan Doggett as the third seamer although the South Australian picked up five wickets in his debut match in the Ashes series opener.

Inglis, a two-time BBL champion with the Perth Scorchers, has built his reputation as one of the country’s most adaptable cricketers.

His sharp footwork against spin and clean ball-striking across formats have seen him become a regular in Australia’s white-ball sides, including the 2023 ODI World Cup triumph.

Josh Inglis celebrates after scoring his century. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

But he has had to patient while waiting for more Test cricket. He scored a century on debut in Sri Lanka in January and later filled in for Steve Smith in the West Indies. This will be his fourth Test cap.

He fielded in the slips cordon at training on Tuesday, indicating he had won the race ahead of Beau Webster for the middle-order berth left vacant by Head coming in at opener.

Inglis could bat at Head’s spot at five or slot in at six with Cameron Green going up a spot in the order.

England have made a single alteration for the Brisbane day-nighter, opting for spinning allrounder Will Jacks to replace the injured Mark Wood.

Jacks, who toured with England’s main Test squad last summer, offers an additional batting option after England’s lower-order wobble in Perth.

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