(MENAFN- NewsBytes)
Australia have announced their Playing XI for the first Test of the upcoming Ashes, starting December 8 at the Gabba. Pat Cummins will lead the side in place of Tim Paine , who is on an indefinite break. The latter had left the role in the wake of the sexting scandal. Cummins revealed that he won't take the new ball in the series opener.
Information Australia's Playing XI for the first Test of Ashes 2021/22
Australia's Playing XI for the first Test of Ashes 2021/22: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Head Travis Head picked over Usman Khawaja
Middle-order batter Travis Head has been picked as Australia's number five for the Test. The Australian selectors have preferred him over the experienced Usman Khawaja. Head racked up 394 runs at an average of 49.25 in the recent Sheffield Shield season, including two centuries. On the other hand, Khawaja scored 460 runs at 65.71 with a couple of hundreds.
Credentials Head averages 39.75 in Test cricket
In a Test career that has spanned over three years, Head has amassed 1,153 runs from 19 matches at a remarkable average of 39.75. He also has two tons to his name with the best score of 161. He played in four Tests of the 2019 Ashes series before being replaced by Mitchell Marsh. Notably, Head averages 46.66 in home Tests.
Bowling Australia have a star-studded pace attack
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