Head feels the selection squeeze after virus

Travis Head beat COVID-19 without showing any symptoms but admits Usman Khawaja's weight of runs could be harder to overcome to regain his spot in Australia's XI for Hobart.

Head is feeling fine and ready to return to action for the fifth Vodafone Ashes Test, treating his week in isolation while sidelined by the virus as a mid-season break.

The South Australian returned to Australia's group during the SCG Test and has spent time facing the pink ball in the nets without any after-effects of the virus.

Khawaja's twin tons at the SCG has put a squeeze on Australia's top order, with captain Pat Cummins all but admitting on Sunday the in-form batsman should be retained.

Opener Marcus Harris is expected to be the man battling to keep his spot, after failing to turn a run of starts into his first career century this summer.

While Head is expected to return at No.5 after averaging 62 this summer before contracting the virus, he admitted he was uncertain on whether he'd get his spot back.

"We'll wait and see," Head said.

"I think he (Khawaja) played beautifully.

"We spoke about that going into the series when it was questioned who would be in that side.

"We felt like both of us were in great touch.

"We know he is versatile and the way he can play. If there was a spot open in the side that he would take that opportunity.

"He's taken it with both hands, he's been amazing.

"There's going to be some tough decisions. Those conversations haven't been had yet."

Head has been a vocal supporter of Harris this summer, constantly referring to the way his fellow left-hander is lining the ball up.

Selectors have also been clear they want to put their faith in Harris and give him a long run, with David Warner having continually shuffled through partners during his career.

Khawaja is, however, one of the 13 men to have opened with Warner, averaging 95.6 in his seven innings at the top of the order.

Head said Harris was not showing signs of nerves since Khawaja piled on the runs at the SCG, remaining an upbeat member of the playing group.

"He hasn't changed and I think that's the beauty of the whole squad. We celebrate each other's success," he said. 

"We're currently 3-0 up. We played a great week again. He's been amazing. 

"He's playing for Australia, doing a job. He was a fantastic in Melbourne, played a huge role in us winning the game. 

"He will be disappointed he didn't get runs in this game and had a great opportunity. I felt like he batted and line the ball up beautifully well. 

"He batted beautifully at the start and set really the platform with him and Davey as a partnership."

Vodafone Men's Ashes

Squads

Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nic Maddinson, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

England: Joe Root (c), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Schedule

First Test: Australia won by nine wickets

Second Test: Australia won by 275 runs

Third Test: Australia won by an innings and 14 runs

Fourth Test: Match drawn

Fifth Test: January 14-18, Blundstone Arena