Australia pulled a shock and elevated Travis Head to open in the absence of Usman Khawaja for their dramatic final-innings chase at Perth Stadium.
Khawaja is unable to open the batting for the second innings in a row because he spent too much time off the field as he battles back spasms.
The home side are chasing 205 runs to win after a helter-skelter first two days at Optus Stadium.
“Unfortunately Ussie is not moving too well. His back flared up again,” injured captain Pat Cummins told Fox Cricket.
“Runs are a premium, there are 200 to get … we will try and throw a full shots back. If you keep the scoreboard ticking over, things tend to get a bit easier.”
Marnus Labuschagne — listed to bat at No.3 — was elevated to open with debutant Jake Weatherald in the first innings, but Head has come up from No.5 to do the job.
Khawaja has been battling the injury since midway through the opening day. He began the second day in the field but was off the ground for much of the second session.
The veteran was dismissed for two when he did come to the crease in the first innings, putting his spot in the side under immense scrutiny.
Head has opened for Australia three times — all in India and Sri Lanka — for 62 runs.
More to come
