Ashes 2021-22: Steve Smith sports Pat Cummins' blazer at the toss in Adelaide

The second Ashes Test is underway at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. Australia have won the toss and have decided to bat in the pink ball Test. Both teams have made a couple of changes to the playing XI from the last game. England have opted for an all-pace team, while Australia have had to make two forced changes to the playing XI.

Josh Hazlewood, who sustained an injury has been replaced by Jhye Richardson. Also, before the toss it was announced that Pat Cummins was also ruled out of the Test after he came in close contact to a Covid positive case. Due to Cummins’ absence, Steve Smith is leading the Australian team.

One interesting thing happened during the toss when both the captains came out in the middle. Jaura Lolly, Women’s Cricket Editor for Cricket.com pointed out on her Twitter account that Smith was wearing Cummins’ blazer. She posted two photos and wrote, “Quick zoom in on the pocket reveals Steve Smith is wearing Pat Cummins’ blazer.”

Australia has picked Michael Neser to replace Cummins, who will be in isolation for the next seven days. Neser has played 70 first-class matches and has taken 236 wickets at an average of 24.47. He had to wait for a very long time to make his debut for the Test team, and all eyes will be on him when Australia comes out to bowl in the first innings.

Anderson and Broad makes a comeback to the English side

England lost the first Test by nine wickets after Australia dominated them in all the aspects of the game. The bowlers failed to do the task in the first innings, and the batters never looked to stay in the game. England’s only spinner, Jack Leach, gave away 102 runs in 13 overs while picking up one wicket.

Hence, it was expected that England would leave Leach for the second Test. Leach, who was included in the 12-man squad, is not playing this game. England has opted to go in with an all-pace attack. James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who missed the first Test, have made their comeback.