Cummins in contention for Ashes return as Smith keeps captaincy call open
“A heap of things is on the table. We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like, and from there we’ll determine a playing XI,” Smith said.
“A heap of things is on the table. We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like, and from there we’ll determine a playing XI,” Smith said.
The 38-year-old will remain with the side to continue his rehabilitation, and no replacement has been named in his place. This means Australia's squad for the Gabba encounter is trimmed down to 13.
Khawaja undertook his first proper test since injuring his back last week, with medical staff closely monitoring him during a fitness session on Monday afternoon, according to cricket.com.au.
Hazelwood was off from the pitch after he finished his fight against the West Indies in Perth. He, further, ruled himself out of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa on the Christmas day.
Michael Vaughan believes that Smith will come back strong in the second and final Test match of the series.
Former Australian Test captain Allan Border was also among the many observers to question the call.
The victory, in the first day-night Test at the Gabba, extended Australia's unbeaten record to 28 Tests at the venue.