It is anticipated that rookie Sam Konstas would resume his starting position with seasoned Usman Khawaja for the pivotal match against South Africa, as Australia batsman Travis Head has signaled a return to the middle order for the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s.

Head, who smashed a half-century off only 35 balls as an opener to help Australia win the first Sri Lanka Test, provides justification for Australia’s audacious choice to remove Sam Konstas.

There has been a lot of discussion in Australia over Head’s move to the opener, Sam Konstas’ exclusion, and Josh Inglis’ debut. The vice captain, Head, said that he was certain the 19-year-old Konstas could play against South Africa at Lord’s in June despite all the discussions.

Sam would open and I’d probably return to the middle order, but I’m relieved that I’m not a selector. Ahead of Thursday’s second Test, Head said, “Josh has had an amazing start, guys are playing well, and Greeny’s [Cameron Green] going to be fit,” as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Fitting in will be challenging, and I believe that’s what we want. We want an Australian cricket squad that is competitive and where berths are hard to come by. Knowing that there are those behind you puts pressure on you to maintain your position on every test. We are thus in a good situation. “Having seven or eight batters discussed is preferable to having three or four,” he said.

Head reaffirmed that under seaming conditions, he is not likely to start the batting in Test matches.

It’s probably not possible given where we’ve gone. I’ve spoken with Ron and Pat, and they are aware of my position and know that I will comply with their requests. However, I’m in the role they want for me. That’s fantastic as long as I continue to be reliable in that role and work hard, but given where we’ve been over the last two years, it’s probably improbable that I would [open] in Australia. For me, the middle order is the place to be in Australia,” he said.