“He (Head) did really nicely in India against the new ball. He put spinners under pressure immediately and we know how well he hits the seam as well if they come with that,” said Steve Smith who will lead Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins in the series. “It’s going to be good fun watching him.”

Despite confirming their openers Australia have chosen not to announce their XI as they want to take one final call before the Test. “We’ll wait and see what we get, probably the morning of the game, and then go from there. But things can change pretty quickly, this part of the world, the sun hasn’t been out a great deal. So we’ll have another look at the wicket, and then from there, we’ll name a team at toss,” he said.

The decision to open with Head means, Konstas will have to warm the bench despite starting the career on a promising note. Smith said the 19-year-old could use the tour to know about the conditions. “He’s going to have a lot of practice over here if he doesn’t play, which, in itself, is great as well for development. You know, I only have to think back to 2013 I think, where I didn’t play the first few Tests, and just the amount of balls I was hitting in the nets, and the skills I was able to develop from facing loads of net bowlers and things like that. So whether he plays or not, I think it’s going to be a wonderful experience for him. He’s going to learn a lot.”

Coming into the Test Australia had concerns about left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann’s fitness status. But Smith said the spinner has been cleared to bowl. “Apparently the surgeon’s done an incredible job for him to be able to field and do some of the things he’s been able to do the last couple of days, we’re kind of a bit gobsmacked. Either he’s a tremendous actor or he’s got great pain tolerance. He’s ticked all the boxes. He’s good to go,” said Smith.