Even after starring as an opener in the Ashes, Travis Head is not demanding he stays at the top, instead being happy to bat wherever Australia needs him.

Head will remain as opener for the fifth and final Test at the SCG after starring with a series-high 437 runs. Beyond that, his role is uncertain.

Australia previously only considered him as an opener for Tests in Asia, believing the conditions suited his elevation better than at home.

But Head's chance ascension in Perth has given coach Andrew McDonald plenty to think about.

After crashing a famous, matchwinning century to win the opening Test when sent out due to Usman Khawaja's back injury, the 31-year-old has been comfortably Australia's best batter of the series.

Head smashed another hundred in Adelaide, then top-scored in the bowler-dominated two-day Test at the MCG.

"I see myself as this team's opening batter for the series," Head said.

"We've got a long gap between [Test series] to piece the puzzles together to where the team wants to go to.

"I felt good at the top, I felt like I've been batting well … I feel like I've been able to do a job for the team that's put us in winning positions.

"What I've always been open to is how can we make the team better.

"And if that means me at the top, and we're a better cricket team, and we're winning more, then I'm happy."

Head's message to McDonald and captain Pat Cummins is put him in the order where they think it will help Australia win.

"I have full confidence in wherever they see me fit that, that's the best thing for the team, and that's how I'm more than pleased to set up," Head said.

Head was already one of the world's best batters at number five, averaging 41.46 in that position.

But his average skyrockets to 52.64 when opening the batting, having done it before in Tests in India and Sri Lanka.

Head has partnered with former South Australia teammate Jake Weatherald during the Ashes, with Khawaja slotting into the middle order on return from injury in Adelaide.

But just four Tests into his career, Weatherald may need a big score at the SCG to ensure he remains Head's opening partner for the rest of 2026.

Weatherald has made three single-figure scores and only one half-century in eight innings, averaging 20.85

AAP

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