Ashes: Mitchell Starc retains his place as Australia name playing XI for the first Test vs England
India Today
Ashes 2021-22: While Travis Head got the nod for the crucial No. 5 spot in the playing XI, Australia backed Mitchell Starc in the three-man pace attack led by captain Pat Cummins. Meanwhile, Joe Root refrained from naming the England XI for the first Test, starting December 8.
Newly-appointed Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed their playing XI for the first Ashes Test, starting December 8 against England at the Gabba in Brisbane. Travis Head got the backing to bat at No. 5 while David Warner is all set to open alongside Marcus Harris in the series opener. The playing XI was announced on Sunday during the official launch of the Ashes Test series.
As expected, Alex Carey will keep wickets in the first Test as Tim Paine took a mental health break following his resignation as Test captain over a sexting scandal.
