Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has thrown his considerable support behind Travis Head's recent promotion to the top of the Test batting order, declaring the move should be made permanent. Johnson believes this strategic shift is not only vital for Head's own career but also key to managing the future transition of the national team's batting lineup.
A Strategic Shift for Team and Player
Johnson's comments come after Head was elevated to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja for the recent two-Test series against New Zealand. This decision was made following the retirement of David Warner, which left a significant vacancy at the top of the order. While some had speculated about other candidates, the selectors turned to the experienced Head, who has been a mainstay in the middle order.
The move, according to Johnson, makes perfect sense for the long-term planning of the Australian side. He argues that establishing Head as a permanent fixture at the top allows younger or less experienced players like Cameron Green and Matthew Renshaw to settle into the middle order without the added pressure of facing the new ball. This creates a more stable environment for developing the next generation of Test batsmen.
Head's Temperament Suits the Role
Johnson, known for his aggressive and forthright opinions, pointed to Head's specific qualities as reasons for his success in the new role. He highlighted Head's positive mindset and ability to put pressure back on the bowlers as major assets for an opener in modern Test cricket. "He's got that aggressive nature, which I think is really important," Johnson stated, emphasising that this approach can disrupt bowling attacks from the very first over.
The statistics from the New Zealand series support Johnson's argument. Head scored a brisk and crucial 42 in the first innings of the opening Test at Wellington's Basin Reserve, helping to set a positive tone. While he didn't convert that into a massive score in that series, the intent and foundation he provided were valuable. Johnson stressed that judging him on two matches alone is premature, and the team must show faith in the decision.
Securing Australia's Batting Future
The broader context for Johnson's endorsement is the impending evolution of Australia's batting core. With stalwarts like Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja also in the latter stages of their careers, planning for an orderly succession is paramount. By locking Head into one opening spot, the selectors can now focus on systematically blooding new talent further down the order.
This strategy avoids a scenario where multiple positions become vacant at once, which could lead to instability and a dramatic drop in performance. Johnson sees Head's move as the first, calculated step in a necessary renewal process. It provides a blend of experience and aggression at the top, while allowing the middle order to be reshaped with a clearer, long-term vision.
In conclusion, Mitchell Johnson's analysis presents a compelling case for permanence. He views Travis Head not just as a stop-gap solution, but as a legitimate long-term opener whose style is suited to the role and whose presence is crucial for the smooth transition of the entire Australian Test batting lineup. The coming series will be a major test of this theory, but according to one of Australia's most fearsome former players, the selectors have already found their answer.
