Cricket Australia has announced the playing XI for the first Test against India which is scheduled to be played in Adelaide from Thursday (December 6) onwards.
Left-handed batsman Marcus Harris has been confirmed to make his debut and will be opening the innings with his Victorian teammate Aaron Finch, who has played two Test matches till now.
New boy Marcus Harris in his Test whites 📸 👌 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/fj5fvyZ1PS
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 5, 2018
Usman Khawaja has been confirmed for the number 3 position. Peter Handscomb, who played his last Test against South Africa in absence of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, has made his comeback to the playing XI.
The team management has dropped vice-captain Mitchell Marsh for the Adelaide Test. He did not have a great outing against Pakistan in the UAE last month and was expected to be dropped. Travis Head replaces Marsh in the playing XI after a decent performance against Pakistan. Skipper Tim Paine will do wicketkeeping duties.
Mitchell Starc will lead the Aussies pace attack which comprises of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. The trio will test India’s abilities to bat on the bouncy wickets.
Nathan Lyon is the only spinner included in the final XI.
Australia’s playing XI for the first Test against India:
Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Tim Paine (c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
