Opening batter Travis Head has been reappointed as Australia’s vice-captain for their upcoming Test series against Pakistan as they announced their starting XI for the opening match set to be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth starting Thursday, December 14.
Head, who was the hero for Australia in this year’s World Test Champions Final and the ODI World Cup Final, has been named the co-vice-captain of the team, alongside Steve Smith. However, Smith will be taking over the captaincy in Pat Cummins’ absence. Head had previously played the role of the Test vice-captain when Tim Paine was the skipper.
The Australians did not make many changes to their side for the opening Test against Pakistan. The experienced Nathan Lyon made a return to the starting XI, replacing the young and upcoming Todd Murphy.
David Warner, who announced that he’d be playing his final Test series, will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja. Marnus Labuschange will come in at number three, with Smith at four. Head, Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey will complete Australia’s batting contingent with Carey holding onto the gloves.
The trio of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will reunite, after leading Australia to their record-extending sixth ODI World Cup triumph last month in India. They will be joined by Lyon as the four front-line bowlers for the Aussies.
Australia will first face Pakistan in Perth, before taking them on at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26 in the Boxing Day Test. The final match of the series will be played at Warner’s hometown in Sydney with the famous Sydney Cricket Ground playing the host starting January 3, 2024.
Australia’s starting XI for 1st Test
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
