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The six-time World Champions, Australia will begin their Test series against Pakistan on December 14 in Perth. While it will be the first Test series after their ODI World Cup triumph against India in India. The Pat Cummins-led side on Wednesday, 13 December named their Playing XI for the opening Test of the three-match series.
While there weren’t any surprise inclusions in the squad, Travis Head has been named as co vice-captain alongside Steve Smith. However, Smith will remain the first option to take the captaincy reins in skipper, Pat Cummins’ absence. While announcing his co-deputy, Pat Cummins added, “He’s always been a leader in our group, so we thought it was a good time to formally recognise that. I think the personality that he brings to the team is something that we all love, and I think you see it in the way that he plays his cricket.”
It is to be noted that Head previously held the vice-captain hat in the Test side during Tim Paine’s leadership. Cricket Australia additionally confirmed one change to their Ashes final playing XI in August as Nathan Lyon returns after regaining full fitness, replacing Todd Murphy.
Australia’s Playing XI for first Test against Pakistan:
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
