Australia has unveiled its lineup for the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship series against Pakistan, and as anticipated, Pat Cummins assumes the captaincy for their first international encounter of the summer. The significant development is the appointment of Travis Head as the vice-captain, sharing the role with the current deputy, Steve Smith.
Head’s promotion is a testament to his stellar performances, marked by consecutive match-winning displays in the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup semi-final and final, earning him the Player of the Match accolade on both occasions. These contributions played a crucial role in Australia securing a record sixth World Cup trophy.
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In the only change to the XI that faced England in the final Ashes match at The Oval, spinner Nathan Lyon returns to the playing squad, replacing Todd Murphy. Lyon, the lead spinner for Australia, had been sidelined due to a calf injury sustained against England at Lord’s in June. However, recent appearances in domestic cricket, including the Marsh Cup and Sheffield Shield for New South Wales, have marked his successful comeback.
The Australian lineup features the expected opening pair of David Warner and Usman Khawaja, followed by a formidable middle-order comprising Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and vice-captain Travis Head. Mitchell Marsh secures the all-rounder’s role, earning the nod over Cameron Green. Alex Carey reassumes the role of wicketkeeper in red-ball cricket after Josh Inglis was preferred during Australia’s Cricket World Cup campaign.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, ensuring a formidable bowling trio for Australia.
-IANS
