Joe Root keeps playing XI under wraps, but rules out mind games

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

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 on Monday for the last time before the first Ashes Test against Australia.

Root spoke before news broke that the fifth Test of the series will now not go ahead in Perth due to concern over quarantine requirements.

Australian captain Pat Cummins took the bold step on Sunday of confirming his match line-up, 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.

Root skirted issues around the makeup of his batting and bowling line-ups. He chose not to discuss whether Haseeb Hameed might retain his place in top three or whether Jonny Bairstow or Ollie Pope will 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 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. He received the news from a 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.”

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