Experienced Australian players Steve Smith and Travis Head have been appointed vice-captains of Australia’s Test team ahead of the three-match Test series against Pakistan. Baggy Green started their home season with a series win against the Men in Green as they look to earn points towards the World Test Championship.
Australia had a busy season in 2023. It started with a tour of India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, followed by successive appearances in the WTC Finals, Ashes 2023, South Africa Series, and finally a tour of India. Next up for him will be the 2023 World Cup and the team will eventually return home for a series against Pakistan.
Travis Head has had a huge impact on Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. The left-handed opener scored a spirited 62 runs in the semi-final, with 21 runs in 5 matches and he took 2 wickets in the over. Australia’s victory over India was mainly due to Travis Head’s incredible century. During his 137 innings, which included 120 balls, he batted with skill and tenacity, especially against the Indian pacers and spinners.
🚨 Travis Head and Steven Smith have been appointed as ‘co vice-captains’ of Australia’s Test team#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/ZJyxC6iSmR
– ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) 13. 2023 April 12
Unlike some Australians, Steve Smith has overcome all odds. The former Australian captain has been a permanent member of the Test team since 2013 and before the infamous sandpaper incident, he was always leading the team in running.
The team surprisingly includes the starting 10 from the last Ashes series, with the exception of experienced Australian batsman Nathan Ryan, who is replacing Todd Murphy who has recovered from a calf injury. There’s nothing wrong with that.
After losing his spot as Australia’s wicketkeeper in the one-day international that won the 2023 World Cup, Alex Carey retained his position in the multi-day match. Cameron Green, who later replaced Mitchell Marsh in Australia’s World Cup squad, will also be in the squad for the first Test.
Lance Morris is the only uncapped player on the team. Lance Morris, considered one of Australia’s fastest bowlers, was selected to play against the West Indies last summer but did not make his debut for his national team and could make his team debut in the Pakistan series.
Australia – Carder Den 1. Test: Pat Cummins (Mitte), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner
