AUS vs SA: Ahead of the 1st Test between Australia and South Africa at The Gabba on Saturday (December 17th), Cricket Australia announced their playing XI. Captain Pat Cummins has returned to lead the side, who sustained an injury in the 1st Test against West Indies and missed the 2nd Test. 

Michael Nesser has been excluded to include captain Cummins. Nesser was decent in the 2nd Test against West Indies where he picked up 5 wickets. Young pacer Scott Boland has maintained his spot in the absence of ace pacer Josh Hazlewood, who will miss the 1st Test due to injury.

Australia Playing XI for 1st AUS vs SA Test:

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland