नवीनतम
Australia go full pace for Second Ashes Test
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Australia have opted for an aggressive pace-heavy strategy for the second Ashes Test against England at the Gabba, making two major changes to the XI that triumphed in Perth and leaving out veteran spinner Nathan Lyon.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, Michael Neser comes in for Lyon, while wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis replaces injured opener Usman Khawaja. Inglis will be making his fourth Test appearance.
The 39-year-old Khawaja was ruled out after struggling with back spasms during the first Test of the five-match ICC World Test Championship series.
With the adjustment at the top, Travis Head will open the innings alongside Jake Weatherald. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl first, putting the hosts on the defensive early.
Australia captain Steve Smith leads a pace-heavy lineup featuring Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Neser, and all-rounder Cameron Green. Pat Cummins, who was being considered for a return, remains sidelined due to injury.
For Lyon, the omission marks only the second home Test he has missed since his debut in 2011, underlining the significance of Australia’s strategic shift for the day-night encounter.
Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett.
