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Head to overcome Test form concerns: Lyon

3 minute read

Travis Head has been floated as one to make way once David Warner returns, but Nathan Lyon is adamant his Australian teammate deserves his Test spot.

TRAVIS HEAD
TRAVIS HEAD Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

Travis Head's spot in the Australian middle-order has again come under the microscope, but Nathan Lyon believes his teammate will continue to silence the doubters.

The 26-year-old's position is safe for the Boxing Day Test against India, with star opener David Warner ruled out for a second straight match.

But former Test stars Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin say Head should be one that makes way when Warner eventually returns, which could be as soon as the third Test.

Head is averaging 40.66 from 18 Tests but his name regularly pops up when there is selection dilemma.

The South Australian captain will be experiencing deja vu because Australia toyed with debuting allrounder Michael Neser in last year's MCG Test against New Zealand before sticking with Head.

He looked to have locked down his Test spot by top-scoring with 114 on Boxing Day to help Australia post a match-winning first-innings lead.

But after falling caught and bowled to Ravi Ashwin for 7 in the day-night Test, Head's position became slightly shaky.

"Hundred per cent I'm backing him in for Boxing Day," Lyon said.

"Trav's got my support and everyone else's support in that change room.

"I know he didn't have the Adelaide Test match that he wanted or he had planned for.

"I've got no doubt he will come out on Boxing Day and, hopefully, have a great Test match for Australia."

Australia will almost certainly enter the second Test with an unchanged line-up.

Without Warner, Matthew Wade will again partner a resurgent Joe Burns at the top of the order.

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