Sam Konstas could be dropped with a change in opening combination for SL vs AUS 2025 Tests: Reports

Australian opening batter Sam Konstas' flying start to his international career may witness an unexpected halt, with the Men in Yellow reportedly considering another change to their opening combination for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The management are eyeing Travis Head as a potential candidate at the top of the order in the subcontinent conditions.

According to a report by Yahoo Sports, the selectors are not convinced with the way Head has dealt with spin bowling on turning tracks. They believe the best position for him under such circumstances is at the top when the pacers are operating with the new ball and spin does not have much say.

The left-handed batter played in the middle order during Australia's last tour of Sri Lanka in 2022. He recorded only 23 runs in three innings at an average of 7.67. His worrying subcontinent numbers led to his axing from the playing XI in the Border-Gavaskar series opener in Nagpur in 2023.

Matt Renshaw was deployed in his place, but Head availed a chance at the top after David Warner sustained a fracture. In the six innings of the three matches that followed, the batter scored 235 runs at an average of 47 and a strike rate of 68.71.

His exploits included a blistering unbeaten counterattack in the win in Indore and a well-compiled 90 in the series finale in Ahmedabad.

Following Konstas' heroics, who replaced Nathan McSweeney midway through the Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25, Australia seemed to have locked in a new opening combination. However, the drastic change in conditions may force the team to try out something different.

Australia have already qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, where they will face South Africa. For the upcoming Sri Lanka series, they are likely to play without the pace duo of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

Selectors keen for Usman Khawaja to stay on and assist Sam Konstas during the transition

Although Australia have the option of an aggressive right-hand-left-hand opening combination in Travis Head and Sam Konstas, they are unlikely to pursue that route. Veteran Usman Khawaja is still valued by the side and is bound to be a vital cog for them in subcontinent conditions, where he has thrived in the past.

The selectors are keen for Khawaja to continue and help Konstas settle into his role at the top in the longest format. The skipper and the management have backed the veteran to play until the Ashes in the 2025-26 home summer.

The first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin from January 29 onwards at the Galle International Stadium.