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Summary
- Australia announce playing XI for first test
- Travis Head and Mitchell Starc selected
- Shane Warne’s advice rejected
Australia have announced the playing XI for the first Ashes test against England which is set to take place at the Gabba in Brisbane from 08 to 12 December.
There were a few places in the squad that were being contested and some of the Australian public including spin king Shane Warne is not too happy with a few of the players selected.
Playing XI For First Test
Australia will play their first Ashes test under the new leadership of Patrick Cummins and vice-captain Steve Smith. Cummins used to be the vice-captain under Tim Paine but was promoted after Paine resigned due to a sexting controversy that reared its ugly head just before the Ashes.
This is going to be a big test for Cummins as he will not only have to carry a big workload during the series but also be on top of his game when it comes to leadership. The selectors have gone with Marcus Harris and David Warner as the openers, Marnus Labuschagne takes the number three spot with vice-captain Steve Smith at four.
7NEWS Australia
The number 5 spot was a tossup between Travis Head and Usman Khawaja and Head has got the nod for the first test. All-rounder Cameron Green will play at six, with Alex Carey taking the gloves from Paine at 7. The four bowlers are the usual lot with Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.
Shane Warne’s Advice Shunned
Warne made it very clear the in the media that he believed the selectors should drop the out of form M Starc and go with Jhye Richardson for the first test. The selectors have chosen to ignore the advice of the spin king and back Starc to perform. Warne has also called for Lyon to be replaced by leggie Mitch Swepson.
This is why Australia struggled last year as Lyon/Starc struggled to have an impact. To the top 6 batsman they averaged nearly 70 a wicket !!! This is why they are both under pressure and need to start the series well (Lyon plays 1st test but Richardson instead of Starc for me) https://t.co/NjuQ6475h4
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 1, 2021
Starc has been out of form for the last 12 months, not taking wickets and leaking runs. However, he has lots of experience having played 61 tests and taking 255 wickets. The selectors have also decided to go with veteran off spinner Lyon who could be playing his last Ashes test series at home.
There will be a lot of pressure on Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Cameron Green and M Starc during the first test. If the play poorly, there will be calls for them to be dropped ahead of the second test.
