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Australia's Ashes XI Uncertainty: Key Players Out for First Test
23 Nov
Summary
- Captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are injured for the first Ashes Test.
- Uncapped Brendan Doggett is an option to replace absent bowlers.
- Australia faces batting order decisions ahead of the opening match.
Australia enters the first Ashes Test against England with considerable uncertainty surrounding their playing XI. Captain Pat Cummins will miss the crucial opening match due to a back injury, and fellow pace bowler Josh Hazlewood is also unavailable with a hamstring issue. This leaves a gap in their formidable bowling attack, with Scott Boland a confirmed inclusion and uncapped Brendan Doggett being considered as another option.
The batting lineup also presents selection dilemmas. Key players like Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head are profiled, with discussions around who will open and who will fill the all-rounder position. Cameron Green's potential return to bowling could influence batting order decisions.
With a history of Ashes dominance, Australia is keen to retain the urn. However, the current injury concerns and selection questions for the XI mean the team faces a complex challenge in its bid to start the series strongly against England.
