
Head confident in Australia batting line-up despite missing Smith and Labuschagne
Travis Head is confident that Australia's new-look batting line-up will not feel "too much different" despite some big changes.
Australia are preparing for their three-match Test series against West India, but are without experienced duo Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
Former captain Smith is nursing a finger injury after suffering a compound dislocation in his right hand during their World Test Championship final defeat to South Africa.
Labuschagne, meanwhile, has been dropped due to his struggles with the bat, having contributed scores of just 17 and 22 in both his innings against South Africa at Lord's.
Indeed, it is the first time since 2018 that Australia are fielding a side that does not include either Smith or Labuschagne.
"When we get into the game, it'll be a little bit new look," Head said. "But guys have already played, so [they have] experience already in a short amount of Test cricket.
"There's some guys there that have been a part of the group for a long time now, so it shouldn't feel too much different.
"I think we're prepared for anything, really, and prepared for maybe both [seam and spin] in the same game.
"We could be starting the game and then it could shift into different modes and plans of attack. So, as a batter, you're just sort of planning for anything at the moment. And then once you get a look at the lay of the land, come up with a plan, and try to cover all bases."
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Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis have replaced Smith and Labuschagne in the starting line-up and Head has backed the latter to play a vital role in the upcoming Test match.
"He can cover so many bases. [He's had] limited opportunity in a long time being in the squad. It feels like he's played a lot more than he has for Australia," Head said of Inglis.
"Once he gets his extended stay in the team, I think he'll excel. He's already showed great application in Sri Lanka. He's [been] in some tough roles as well.
"I think he's well-adapted and ready to go. He's been waiting for a long time."
The first Test against West Indies begins on June 25 at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown.