Travis Head Named Vice-Captain As Australia Announce Their Playing XI For First Test

Australia have rewarded Travis Head for his impressive display in Tests in recent times by re-appointing him as their Test vice-captain. The appointment was announced just before Australia’s first Test of the home season as the hosts gear up to lock horns against Pakistan in the first game of a three-match series.

After an impressive outing in the last home season, he impressed in the testing Indian conditions. During the World Test Championship Final against India, the left-handed batsman smashed a quickfire 163 runs to help Australia recover from a poor start and go on to win the game. Travis Head impressed in the Ashes too, registering scores of 50, 77, 77, 48, and 43.

Last month, he starred in Australia’s triumphant World Cup campaign, scoring a stunning century in the final against hosts India. His impressive displays have led to his appointment as co-vice-captain alongside Steve Smith. However, it is worth noting that Smith will continue to be the first choice to lead the team in the absence of captain Pat Cummins.

Travis Head appointed vice-captain, Australia reveal playing XI:

Australia have also confirmed their playing XI for the first Test against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on Thursday (December 14) in Perth. The hosts have made just one change to the team that played the last Ashes Test in August with Nathan Lyon replacing Todd Murphy. The pace department will be led by captain Cummins who will have Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood for company.

David Warner has been allowed to open despite his poor returns in Tests in recent times as the veteran opener gears up to play his last-ever Test series. He will open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja. Mitchell Marsh has once again got the nod ahead of Cameron Green for the allrounder’s spot.

Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Australia squad: (first Test only) Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi