Australian captain Pat Cummins with his England counterpart Joe Root ahead of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Preview
Australia vs England, 1st Test: The Ashes may revolve around the match between Cummins and Root
A special match between bat and ball can shape this Ashes series.
Pat Cummins For the first time since the 1950s, Australia’s Test cricket captaincy is set to lead the home team with a fast bowler’s perspective. Joe Root is set to lead England with the bat again in a series that he feels could define his career.
“A bowling captain for Australia and a batting captain for England – two captains one by one would be great,” England wicketkeeper joss butler Said on the eve of the first Test.
Root was already feeling some pressure, even before it was confirmed that England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker Jimmy Anderson would miss the first Test starting on Wednesday at the Gabba.
Butler said the team’s senior players are ready to support Root and the return of inspirational all-rounder Ben Stokes will help as well.
“We know he’s our best player, we want to support him, help him, share that load,” Butler said of Root.
Australia XI for 1st Ashes Test: Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (Week), Pat Cummins (c), Mitch Stark, Nathan Lyon, josh hazelwood
England’s 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test: Joe Root (c), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, joss butler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, David Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
,