England captain Joe Root insists there’s no mind games behind his hesitancy to reveal his team ahead of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.
Newly appointed Australian captain Pat Cummins took a bold step on Sunday by confirming who will be in the hosts’ XI at the Gabba with Travis Head returning to the team and Alex Carey on debut.
Fast bowler Mitchell Starc has also been given the nod despite some calls for Jhye Richardson to replace the left-armer.
In contrast England’s XI remains up in the air, with question marks over the make up of their batting order.
The big talking points are whether the tourists retain Haseeb Hameed from their most recent Test against India in September or change the top three, and if Ollie Pope or Jonny Bairstow bats at No.6.
It’s also unclear if Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson will both play or if just one of the veteran quicks line up for the tourists.
Root brushed off any suggestion keeping his cards close to his chest was a way of keeping the Australians guessing.
“I’m not into mind games, I’m just not in a position right now to name my team,” he said.
“Fair play that they’ve announced their XI. Doesn’t really concern me or change anything from our perspective.
“We’ll conduct our business how we want to and let you know when we’re ready.”
Head isn’t bothered by the uncertainty over just who he’ll be facing on Wednesday, confident the team will be prepared for whatever options the tourists go with.
“Prepare for all of them,” Head said.
“That’s what we’ve done really well is making sure we’re coming in the best prepared we possibly can … it’s not like we’re going to be surprised by anything.”
One player who will make his long-awaited return to Test cricket is Ben Stokes.
The superstar allrounder took 2-31 and scored an unbeaten 42 off 56 in a warm-up game against the England Lions in his first proper hit out since July last week in Brisbane.
The 30-year-old spent part of the year out of the game for personal reasons and Root said he was just happy to see Stokes back enjoying his cricket ahead of the Ashes opener.
“It’s really good to just see Ben back involved in the frame of things,” Root said.
“To look as good as he did as well.
“You always know that when he gets into that game he’ll want to put his mark on it and put his stamp on it.
“There’ll be an element of managing expectations and you’ve got to trust his experience.”
Paul
Roar Guru
spot on
Pom in exile
Roar Rookie
Exactly and it would be completely normal. I think the reason that the Aussie team was named early was to get all of the talk out of the way before the day. Starc or Richardson, Usman or Trav? If I was being cynical it was an attempt to pump up Starc’s tyres a bit, put it out there early, we trust you, we think you’re the bees knees…despite what Warnie is saying.
Paul
Roar Guru
Given the weather conditions in Brisbane and the announcement that Jimmy's not playing, Root has every right to delay naming his side.
Paul
Roar Guru
exactly. This is a media beatup. If it was Australia fronting up in England for the first Test, we’d likely do the same.
Pom in exile
Roar Rookie
I expect that Root will name his team at the toss…like 99.9% of captains have always done.