Konstas’ audacious and unconventional approach against India offered the prospect of a similar launchpad at the top of the order, though Galle’s spin-friendly decks are far removed from Australian conditions.
“In truth, you never really know until someone’s faced with [subcontinent conditions],” Bailey said of Konstas.
Sam Konstas has come out all guns blazing to start his Test career.Credit: AP
“What we have seen is [that] he’s a quick learner, [and] absorbs a lot of information. From his spin play in Australia and the opportunities he has played in different parts of the world, we think he’s got a game that’s well-suited and a technique that can stand up.
“That’s one of the exciting things about this tour. We’ll learn a bit more about his game in different conditions to what he’s just faced in Australia.
“Trav’s an [opening] option … clearly, with that squad, we’ve got a number of options.”
Were Head to move to the top of the order, Konstas could still feature in a revamped middle-order, where McSweeney returns to contention after being dropped midway through Australia’s 3-1 series triumph over India.
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Bailey said Connolly has been selected primarily as a middle-order all-round option alongside incumbent Beau Webster, with the Western Australian rookie’s left-arm finger spin offering “some handy overs”.
The pair’s preference over 36-year-old Maxwell and Marsh would seemingly spell the end for the former’s Test hopes given he last appeared in the format in 2017.
Cameron Green’s return from injury as a specialist batter at least for the World Test Championship in June also looms large for both veteran all-rounders, though Bailey said Marsh still had plenty to offer in home conditions.
“I don’t necessarily see it as the end of the road for him.
“I think Mitch at his best and with a longer-term view of potentially what the Ashes may look like and what England may throw at us, I think he’s got a skill set that suits there.
“Not taking away from the fact that at some stage clearly we’re going to have the return of Cameron Green as well into the team. But unlike some, [the selectors] are probably not as glass half empty around where that leaves Mitch.”
