Australia announce their playing XI for the first Ashes Test

Australia have stayed true to their tradition and have announced their playing eleven for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane at the Gabba. Cameron Bancroft is all set to make his international debut and the occasion can’t get better for him. Tim Paine will also wear his baggy green after a long gap of 7 years. The expected team will come out on the field to regain the Ashes on Thursday as the fierce battle will begin.

There was some doubt over the fitness of David Warner after he clutched his neck during a fielding drill on Tuesday. But the batsman and the vice-captain of the team was confident of opening the innings for the Aussies. England, on the other hand, haven’t finalised their playing combination yet and it seems they will do it on the morning of the match.

The pace trio will play for the first time together

The fearsome pace attack of the hosts Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will feature together for the first in a Test match. The trio, on their day, would literally roll over any opposition on their own and now it will be interesting to see how they fare after coming together. Starc is fired up after ruling the domestic season and Cummins is fitter than ever and would be roaring to play at the Gabba. Hazlewood is known for his line and length which makes the batsman think twice before playing at any delivery.

Aussie skipper Steve Smith confirmed that Bancroft will open the innings with Warner and Shaun Marsh will play at no. 6. Australia, for the first time in many years, have gone for a pure batsman at the position which was filled in by an all-rounder frequently. Nathan Lyon is the only spinner in the team who is referred to as ‘GOAT’ (Greatest of All Time).

Playing XI of Australia: David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (c), Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon