Warner backs Khawaja’s return to the top in Adelaide Test
The former Australia opener believes restoring Khawaja at the top and moving Head back to No.5 gives Australia the strongest hand for the third Test.
David Warner has voiced strong support for Usman Khawaja's return to the top of the order for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, suggesting the move would pose greater challenges for England as Australia look to seal the series.
With Khawaja recovering from back spasms, Australia face a significant selection call ahead of the Adelaide Test.
Across the first two Tests, Travis Head and Jake Weatherald put together a fifty-plus opening stand in both matches, raising debate over keeping the combination intact.
Head coach Andrew McDonald has also hinted Khawaja could be considered for a middle-order role. But Warner believes Australia should revert to their original structure.
“I think Uzzy (Khawaja) comes back in, slides to the top, and Trav (Head) goes down,” Warner told reporters ahead of the Big Bash League.
“That’s probably a worse result for England, Travis Head going back down the order.”
Head has an impressive record at No.5, averaging 41.46 and scoring eight of his ten Test centuries there, including three in Adelaide.
Warner added that Head opening could still be revisited in the future, particularly when Khawaja retires, but acknowledged there is no guarantee the transition would succeed long-term.
“At the end of the day, Travis put his hand up to bat in the situation he was in,” he explained.
“He came out and batted in the way Travis Head does. You see plenty of interviews from Trav saying that is Uzzy's spot, and if when the time comes they ask him to go up the order, he wouldn't mind to do that.
"But then it's on all of us to understand that potentially might not work and Travis will have to go back down the order.
“And then they are going to have to look for another replacement. The selectors have a headache."
Warner also endorsed the 29 year-old left-hand bat Matt Renshaw as a long-term opening option once Khawaja steps away, while urging selectors to continue showing faith in Weatherald.
“But moving forward, Renshaw could be one (option for replacement). I think he'll slide straight back in there. He's had a taste of Test cricket," Warner said.
Australia have rotated through five opening partners for Khawaja in 15 Tests since Warner’s retirement in early 2024, underscoring the challenge of finding a settled pair.
Usman Khawaja backs great mate David Warner to fire in the Ashes
Australia batter Usman Khawaja on his opening partner and good friend David Warner ahead of the Ashes 2023 against England
Khawaja, 38, has not indicated a farewell timeline, and Warner noted that continued performance would determine how his career concludes.
“At the end of the day, you still have to score runs.”
“You’ll deserve the dream farewell if you score runs and the selectors stick by you,” he added.
Australia currently lead the Ashes 2–0 after dominant wins in Perth and Brisbane. The pivotal third Test begins on December 17 in Adelaide, where the hosts have the opportunity to seal the series and retain the prestigious Ashes urn.
Series schedule:
First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8
