Finch and Head face Test debut
AARON Finch and Travis Head will become Australia’s newest Test cricketers on Sunday after confirmation they will play in the opening clash against Pakistan.
Coach Justin Langer said he “can’t wait” to see Finch, 31, play Test cricket having dominated in one- day and T20 matches for the past year.
Finch made a polished 54 in the tour game against Pakistan A but Langer said it was less an audition for the first Test, which begins on Sunday in Dubai, and more confirmation he has what it takes.
Head, 24, made an unbeaten 90 in the warm- up match and will likely assume the place in the middle order.
“There was never any doubt over those two for me, I thought they were certainties to play,” Langer said.
“Aaron’s been brilliant in white- ball cricket … he’s got the temperament for international cricket. He’s playing really well. He’s one of the leaders of our group.
“Travis Head – his improvement over the last six months is amazing. He’s starting to look like an AFL player, he’s really fit.
“He played brilliantly in the Australia A stuff, he’s really impressive and he deserves to have a baggy green cap.”
Michael Neser and Peter Siddle are fighting it out for the final pace spot with both spinners Nathan Lyon and Jon Holland set to play.