Australia vs England Live Score 1st Test Day 1 The Ashes 2021-22 Latest Updates: Toss at 5:00 AM

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Australia vs England, 1st Test: Ashes could revolve around contest between Cummins and Root

One particular contest between bat and ball could shape this Ashes series.

Pat Cummins is set to lead the home team, putting a fast bowler’s perspective on Australia’s Test cricket captaincy for the first time since the 1950s. Joe Root is primed to lead England with the bat again in a series he thinks may define his career.

“A bowling captain for Australia and a batting captain for England — two captains going toe to toe will be great,” England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler said on the eve of the first test.

Root was already feeling some pressure before it was confirmed that Jimmy Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, will miss the first Test starting Wednesday at the Gabba.

Buttler said the senior players in the team were ready to step up to support Root, and the return of inspirational all-rounder Ben Stokes would also help.

“We know he’s our best player, we want to support him, help him, share that load,” Buttler said of Root “He’s been in incredible form. He comes here determined to continue that. It’s a massive series for him.”

Australia XI for first Ashes Test: Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

England 12-man squad for first Ashes Test: Joe Root (c), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood