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Australia reportedly settle on opening pair, XI, for first Test vs India

16th December, 2020
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16th December, 2020
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Australian selectors have reportedly revealed the make-up of the XI for the first Test to the squad.

While the line-up won’t be officially confirmed until the toss on Thursday, multiple outlets are reporting the entire squad was told at lunchtime on Wednesday who will be taking to the field for the first Border-Gavaskar match tomorrow, and it’s good news for Joe Burns.

The Queensland opener, who is in a horrible form rut at the moment, is set to retain his place at the top of the order, with Matthew Wade to open alongside him.

Wade has never opened in a Test match, but his promotion up the batting line-up allows for the inclusion of young all-rounder Cameron Green, who has been passed fit to play despite a nasty head knock last week.

Marcus Harris has reportedly missed out on the side after failing to demand selection with a big score for Australia A recently.

Steve Smith is also fit for the series opener. The world’s best Test batsmen had Australian fans worried when he was a notable absentee from the side’s net session yesterday, but according to Tim Paine the cause was only back soreness.

At any rate, he was back in the nets on matchday eve, and is all set to bat at number four behind Marnus Labuschange at first drop.

South Australian skipper Travis Head will come in at five on his home deck, with Green at six and captain Paine at seven.

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The bowling attack is as expected with the full-strength pace battery of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood supported by spinner Nathan Lyon.

India are yet to announce their line-up, with confirmation of their XI also not expected until the toss.

Likely Australian XI for first Test vs India

1. Joe Burns
2. Matthew Wade
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Cameron Green
7. Tim Paine (c, wk)
8. Pat Cummins
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Nathan Lyon
11. Josh Hazlewood

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