On the opening day of the blockbuster series, 19 batters came and went as both teams' fast bowling attacks targeted weaknesses in the opposition\u2019s batting line-ups, leading to the match concluding late on day two.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite receiving the highest possible rating from the ICC, Khawaja, who was unable to take his usual opening position in both innings due to back spasms, described the pitch on the first day as a \u201cpiece of s...t\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe first day, it was tricky for batting. It had good pace, good bounce, quite a bit of seam movement, two good bowling attacks going at it, so when that happens, sometimes it can be tough to bat. It\u2019s part and parcel of playing in Australia for the last few years, it has those moments where it is really hard to bat, and you\u2019ve got to try and find ways to get through,\u201d Smith was quoted as saying by The West Australian.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI thought on a couple of occasions, we were close to, in that first innings, getting through. When Marn (Marnus Labuschagne) and myself were batting, if we got through that little period, things would\u2019ve got a little bit easier. I know Alex (Carey) said later that evening it was quite nice for batting when that ball got a little bit older,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Khawaja absent, Travis Head, who scored a match-winning century after being promoted to open in the second innings of the Perth Test, is likely to keep his new spot at the top of the batting order.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI thought on a couple of occasions, we were close to, in that first innings, getting through. When Marn (Marnus Labuschagne) and myself were batting, if we got through that little period, things would\u2019ve got a little bit easier. I know Alex (Carey) said later that evening it was quite nice for batting when that ball got a little bit older,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll look at this game, see how it (Head opening) goes, and then I\u2019m sure that\u2019s a question for the selectors going forward. He\u2019s doing all the right things to try and get himself fit as quickly as possible. We know with Uz, he\u2019s been a quality player over a long period of time. I think anyone who plays over 80 Tests is a good cricketer and he\u2019s done exceptionally well,\u201d Smith stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n