AUS vs SA Test Series: With Pat Cummins back in the lineup for the Gabba Test against the Proteas, Australia has been given a huge boost heading into the series finale against the Windies. After injuring his quadriceps in the first Test against the Windies in Perth, the Australian captain’s participation in the series opener against Dean Elgar’s South Africa was in serious doubt. Cummins will be replacing Michael Neser.
The Australian lineup for the first Test in Brisbane was named on Friday, confirming the return of the Australian captain. In the absence of the star pacer, Steve Smith led the team, but Cummins will now take on those responsibilities. Josh Hazlewood’s side strain forced him out of the starting eleven, so Scott Boland keeps his spot. Michael Neser, who played well in Adelaide, was benched in favour of the Australian captain.
It should be noted that after the controversial “Sandpapergate” incident in the 2018 series, this is the first red-ball game played between the two teams. Due to their strong batting lineup, which features the unpredictable duo of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith in the middle order, the home team are heavy favourites going into the match.
However, they will be put through paces by the renowned Protean fast bowling assault of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Marco Jansen. The tourists will be pumped up to play on the green top at the Gabba because they have won their past three red-ball series Down Under. But the fearless Dean Elgar will be worried about his disappointing batting performance in the England series as they prepare for their intriguing match against the Aussies.
AUS vs SA Test Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
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