As Australia prepares for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, former captain Ricky Ponting has shared his thoughts on the team’s selection strategy, particularly the choice of openers. Speaking to SENQ Breakfast, Ponting addressed the debate surrounding Travis Head's batting position. Despite Head’s consistency at No. 5 in recent years, Ponting expressed hesitation about moving him to the top of the order for the Sri Lanka tour. Head has struggled in Asia, with no Test centuries in 10 matches on the continent. After David Warner retired, Usman Khawaja has his opening pair vacant and yet to resolved. However, Ponting believes that Usman Khawaja should remain at the top of the order, pointing out his improved play against spin in recent years. Ponting said, “There’s been a bit of talk about maybe Travis Head going back to the top of the order over in the subcontinent, as he did on the last Indian tour. But I personally wouldn’t do that. I think Khawaja needs to play because he needs to get back into some sort of rhythm of making Test match runs. His play of spin in the last couple of years has really improved, so I’d leave him there." Read also: 'Shami is fit': Coach dodges queries on T20I unavailability Pointing backs Sam Konstas as opener The teen newbie Sam Konstas had an explosive start against India in the recently concluded Border Gavaskar Trophy. He has impressed the critics with his outrageous shots against India's prime bowler Jasprit Bumrah, let aside body language. Since then, Ponting looked like an admirer for Konstas, and now he rooted for him. He voiced strong support for the young opener, recommending that he should be given a chance to partner with Khawaja in Sri Lanka’s tough conditions. He sees this as an invaluable opportunity to develop Konstas' skills in challenging foreign conditions, far removed from the intense scrutiny of Australian media and fans. Ponting said, "I wouldn’t be moving Konstas either. I think it’s a great opportunity for this Australian team to blood these young blokes, especially on a tour like this to Sri Lanka, which is so different. It’s going to be so foreign to probably anything he’s ever done before in his life. Having come into Test cricket in a whirlwind against India, I think this tour presents Konstas with the perfect opportunity to get away from the buzz, spotlight, and media attention that he has had here in Australia. It’ll be good for him to learn what it’s actually like to be an international cricketer on the road in really tough, challenging foreign conditions." Ponting sees the Sri Lanka tour as the perfect environment for young talents like Konstas to adapt and grow, focusing on long-term development for Australia's future in Test cricket.