Australia have sprung a surprise by naming Travis Head as a Test vice-captain for the Pakistan series but have stuck by the expected XI for the opening match in Perth on Thursday.
Head had previously held the deputy’s role under previous skipper Tim Paine and his reinstatement to vice-captaincy duties shows he is next in line to fast bowler Pat Cummins in the long-term leadership picture.
Steve Smith will continue as a vice-captain but at 34, he is unlikely to ever lead Australia again on a full-time basis.
The only change to the team for the Optus Stadium showdown with Pakistan from the one which finished off the Ashes series in England is the return of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon from his calf injury for Todd Murphy, who was not included in the 14-man squad.
Fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been cleared to play after he was dogged by niggling after the World Cup, meaning young Western Australian pace prospect Lance Morris will again have to bide his time.
Fellow quick Scott Boland and all-rounder Cameron Green are the other omissions with Mitchell Marsh retaining the No.6 spot.
Veteran opener David Warner will open alongside Usman Khawaja as he tries to finish his Test career on a high note leading into the final match of the series at his home ground, the SCG.
Since he made 152 against England upon his return in December 2021, Head hasn’t looked back.
Head, who turns 30 on December 29, could still be at the peak of his powers in a few years if and when Cummins stands down.
“Whilst nothing’s imminent, Steve’s not going to play forever, I dare say I’m not going to captain forever,” Cummins said.
“So we feel like we’ve got some responsibility to future-proof the team and start trying to give opportunities to other leaders. It doesn’t guarantee anything, but you know we’re giving him (Head) a good opportunity.
“So when you look through candidates for future captains of course he’s going to be right up there.
“I know in my last couple of years before I became captain being in some of those conversations as a vice-captain really helped fast track my readiness. So down the track it might be Trav, it might be someone else, but we want to make sure they’re as prepared as they can be.”
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Head was named captain of South Australia at 21, making him the Redbacks’ youngest ever first-class skipper.
Cummins was glowing when speaking about Head’s leadership traits.
“I just think the personality that he brings to the team is something that we all love,” Cummins said. “And I think you see it in the way he plays his cricket, there’s a certain amount of freedom to it.
“He takes the game on and he enjoys it. He’s always got a smile on his face. He never takes anything too seriously. He’s great at bringing the team together for team morale and putting his arm around players that need it.
“Sometimes you can mistake that for someone who’s not a deep thinker about the game. But I think tactically he’s excellent.
“So he’s got all the makings of a really strong leader like we’ve seen him do for South Australia for quite a few years.”
Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
with AAP
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
I say transport them to Tasmania
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
They should go that step further and all become baristas and take some cooking classes. They can participate in every test every year by providing a culinary delight. Not to be confused with Cullinan delight which was Warneys all time fave
Gamechanger
Roar Rookie
Someone has read the room correctly. About time.
Gamechanger
Roar Rookie
There not rotting they are getting a Certificate in Hospitality through Recognition of Prior Learning. Serving drinks competency.
Gamechanger
Roar Rookie
It must mean “ wider consultation “. Is there a VC1 and a VC2?
Linphoma
Roar Rookie
About time. Who is responsible for this appointment. Is it the selectors or the CA? If CA then at least there is some anointment of a succession plan and logical renewal of the leadership pecking order. It's up to Trav to make it a no-brainer.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Meh, sideways step. A non-announcement. Selectors again showing a lack of leadership.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Leave them to rot. They prefer to spend their summers getting the drinks, having countless net sessions and not playing any games. It's their punishment for not being good enough to make the starting XI
Damo
Roar Rookie
Will the unused players be released for BBL or even Premier cricket, or will they rot on the sidelines for another summer?
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
The special hill looks good though. That will guarantee at least 500 punters.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
He’s got no excuses not to hit runs at home. Huge expectations sitting on his shoulders & with the Green Machine lurking behind the shadows.
U
Roar Rookie
Mitch Marsh can only bat well against the Poms
carnivean
Roar Rookie
Apparently it is possible to pick the best team for each test and think about the future at the same time.
The Bush
Roar Guru
My preference would have been for him to get the (vvc) next to his name. Davey could have had (vwk) next to his. I feel like I'm onto something here.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Every child must get a prize.
mrl
Roar Rookie
Pat as always captained with 10 vice-captains.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
No surprises there
Ed Flanders
Roar Rookie
Morris wasn’t picked. According to 13th man, that’s at least 20,000 Perth residents who won’t attend the test now. Means the stadium attendance figure tomorrow should be -14629.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Not sure what the point of multiple vcs is and with it confirmed that Smith will still take charge if Pat goes down, not really sure what this is. Why not just get on with it and name him the proper VC of the test and ODI teams? Just seems like a pointless to not get on with the inevitable.
Dingo
Roar Rookie
Now that the team has been named hopefully we can leave behind the snarling comments from ex players and support them