Australia’s first Test against South Africa will feature captain Cummins

• Australia announce playing XI for first Test against South Africa.
• Pat Cummins returns after recovering from a quad injury.
• Michael Neser makes way for the fast bowler in place of Josh Hazlewood.

Australia’s captain Pat Cummins confirmed his comeback on Friday as the hosts unveiled their starting XI for the first Test of the three-match series against South Africa, which gets underway at the Gabba on Saturday. Cummins had been sidelined with a quad injury.

The fast bowler assumes control from Steve Smith, who in Cummins‘ absence captained the team in the second Test against the West Indies.

Scott Boland holds his spot in the lineup because Josh Hazlewood has already been ruled out due to a side injury, and Michael Neser is the player who will replace the Australia captain.

Usman Khawaja and David Warner continue to bat first and are supported by Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith in the batting order. At Nos. 5 and 6, respectively, Travis Head and Cameron Green are added, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey keeps his position.

Although the tourists have history against them, having gone winless there in four attempts in the longest format, early assessments of the Brisbane pitch this week suggest both world-class pace attacks should like the conditions.

“Some of the lads indicated it was identical to what they had previously witnessed in this area. There appears to be some grass. We’ll therefore check it out tomorrow “said Cummins on Friday.

“They’ll make one last cut. The place always appears to be quite green a few days in before, but in the morning of the first day, it appears somewhat different “he continued.

The World Test Championship, which includes the Test series, is led by Australia (75 percent of potential points) and South Africa (60 percent of possible points) at the top of the standings.

Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland make up the Australian XI.

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