England pacer Brydon Carse has revealed that the visitors have already mapped out specific plans for Travis Head ahead of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, especially after the Australian left-hander’s explosive century in Perth altered the tone of the series opener.
Head, promoted to open in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, blasted a 69-ball hundred, the second-fastest in Ashes history, and finished with a match-winning 123 that helped Australia seal an eight-wicket win inside two days. With Head indicating he is ready to reprise the role in Brisbane, Carse said England will be prepared if he walks out first again.
“I think that was a phenomenal knock by a high-quality player… If he does open the batting again, we’ve got set plans we’ll look to use,” ,” Carse told reporters on December 1.
Carse stressed that England’s approach will not change dramatically despite Head’s astonishing counterattack in Perth.
“But again, I don’t think anything changes from a mindset thing. He had an incredible day out that afternoon. Whatever we’re presented with, we’ll stick to our plans,” he added.
England enter the Brisbane Test looking to respond after a two-day defeat that exposed both batting and bowling inconsistencies. Carse, however, was one of the few positives for England in Perth, finishing with a five-wicket haul in a losing cause. His role is expected to grow further, especially with uncertainty surrounding Mark Wood’s fitness.
Wood missed training on Saturday amid concerns over his left knee, casting doubt on his availability for the day-night Test. Carse said he is ready to take on additional responsibility if needed.
“I’ll still be adaptable to whatever the situation brings,” the 30-year-old said. “Obviously again different challenges this week, where we could be bowling under lights at different times. But I think as a bowling group we’re quite settled in and where we’re going to bowl and what our role is in the side.”
With Australia holding a 1-0 lead and Head in dominant form, England’s ability to execute their plans early in Brisbane may determine how competitive this Ashes contest remains.
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