Brisbane: England captain Joe Root chose to keep his likely playing 11 under wraps and was guarded on his intentions if he wins the toss when he spoke today for the last time before the first Ashes cricket Test against Australia.
Australian captain Pat Cummings took the bold step on Sunday of confirming his match lineup, three days before the series begins at Brisbane’s Gabba Ground.
Cummings revealed that Travis Head had edged Usman Khawaja for the final place in Australia’s top order and that veteran paceman Mitchell Starc will play ahead of Jhye Richardson.
Veteran quicks
Root skirted issues around the makeup of his batting and bowling lineups. He chose not to discuss whether Haseeb Hameed might retain his place in England’s top three or whether Jonny Bairstow or Ollie Pope might bat at No. 6. Nor did he address the question of whether veteran quicks James and Stuart Broad both might play.
Root denied he was indulging in “mind games” in delaying his team announcement in the face of Australia’s clarity.
“I’m not into mind games,” Root said. “I’m just not in a position right now to name our team. The fact they’ve named their 11 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.”
Root said he had not yet seen the Gabba pitch and couldn’t venture a view on whether he might bowl first if he wins the toss Wednesday. He received the news from an Australian journalist that the pitch looks green, as nothing more than one might expect with a fast bowler as Australia’s captain.
“Pat’s already put a stamp on things as a fast bowler and captain of Australia,” Root said.
“We’ll have a look and if it’s green, let’s see how it looks again tomorrow and on the morning of the game. I’ve not got any clear idea of what I want to do at the toss as yet. We’ll leave that as late as possible.”
Form and fitness
Root was more effusive on the form and fitness of Stokes, who serves as a talisman for the England team and will likely play after a limited buildup. Stokes took 2-31 and scored an unbeaten 42 in a match against the England Lions which was his first significant outing since July.
“I think more than anything it will really be good to see Ben back involved in the frame of things,” Root said.
“I think there will be an element of managing expectations and you’ve got to trust his experience. 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.”
