Australia vs Pakistan: Hosts name Travis Head vice-captain with eye on future

Australia named Travis Head named vice-captain with an eye on the future while unveiling their playing XI for the opening Test against Pakistan in Perth on Wednesday.

Australia made just one change to the XI that squared off against England in the final Test of this year’s Ashes at The Oval, with leading off-spinner Nathan Lyon returning to the XI in place of Todd Murphy. Lyon needs another four wickets to enter the 500-club, the possibility of which appears highly likely in the upcoming series.

Pakistan, too unveiled their combination on the eve of the Test, including two debutants in their lineup.

David Warner will open the batting in what is expected to be his last Test series. He is under intense scrutiny after a lean run and questions over whether he deserves to be in the side.

Opening partner Usman Khawaja has also been in the spotlight after indicating he planned to wear shoes during the match starting Thursday with messages highlighting the plight of people in Gaza.

Explained: Why Khawaja won’t wear Palestine conflict slogan shoes in Perth Test

That appears unlikely to now happen, with the International Cricket Council banning any messages during matches that relate to politics, religion or race.

“I spoke to him just quickly and he said he won’t be,” Cummins told reporters on the eve of the first of three Tests.

Captain’s call on Test eve!