Ashes 2021-22: Pat Cummins Confirms Australia's Playing XI Ahead Of Day-Night Affair At Adelaide Oval

Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins has confirmed the team’s playing XI on the eve of the second Test scheduled to be played at the Adelaide Oval from December 16-20.

Fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood, was ruled out of the day-night affair due to an injury he sustained in the first Test at the Gabba. Jhye Richardson has been named as his replacement and he is the only change the side has made for the second Test.

It was a tossup between Michael Neser and Richardson and the pace and skiddiness of the latter likely booked him a place on the team. The pink ball set to be used in Adelaide will also be conducive to swing bowling.

Another injury concern ahead of the Test was David Warner. He had suffered bruised ribs after being hit by a scorching delivery from England’s express pacer, Mark Wood. Fortunately for the Aussies, Warner has been cleared to play at the Adelaide Oval.

“I flew home with him a couple of days ago. His (David Warner) family came into Adelaide which was nice. And he felt like he was in a good space. Obviously, he was a little bit sore, we didn’t take any risks with him only needing 20,” Travis Head had stated on Tuesday.

Australia goes into the second Test with a 1-0 lead on their back following the comprehensive 9-wicket victory in the Gabba Test. Head won the Man of the Match award for his 148-ball 152 while Pat Cummins’ captaincy stint also got off to a perfect start.

Australia’s playing XI for 2nd Ashes Test match:

Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson.

Also Read – Ashes 2021-22: The Planning Was All Wrong – Geoffrey Boycott Berates Joe Root’s Men After Loss At Gabba