NEW DELHI: Australia have unveiled their playing XI for the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship series against Pakistan, with Pat Cummins leading the team in their first international encounter of the summer.
Promotion for Head
The notable development is the appointment of
Travis Head
as the vice-captain, sharing the role with the current deputy, Steve Smith.
Head's promotion comes on the back of his outstanding performances in the recent ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Australia's triumph, securing Player of the Match in the semi-final and final.
Nathan Lyon back in XI
In the only change to the Australia XI from the final match of the Ashes series, spinner Nathan Lyon returns to the playing XI, replacing fellow tweaker Todd Murphy.
Lyon had been sidelined due to a calf injury sustained against England at Lord's in June.
His return to domestic cricket with appearances in the Marsh Cup and Sheffield Shield for New South Wales paved the way for his international comeback.
No major changes in playing XI
- The rest of the squad sees familiar faces taking the field, with David Warner and Usman Khawaja expected to open the innings.
- The middle-order is fortified with Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head. Mitchell Marsh gets the nod for the all-rounder's role over Cameron Green.
- Alex Carey, who took a backseat during the majority of Australia's Cricket World Cup campaign in favor of Josh Inglis, returns to the red-ball format as the wicketkeeper.
- The fast-bowling trio for Australia comprises Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, bringing a formidable pace attack to the series against Pakistan.
Australia playing XI for first Test against Pakistan: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
(With inputs from IANS)
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