Australia on Wednesday announced their starting XI for the first Test of the Commonwealth Bank series against South Africa, to be played in Perth from Thursday. There were two changes to the side that played against Sri Lanka in August.
Peter Siddle will make a comeback in the Australian team, replacing left-arm spinner Jon Holland. Siddle will play his first Test since the tour of New Zealand in February, after which he injured his back. Australian captain Steve Smith said that it was Siddle’s 61-Test experience that gave him the edge over the uncapped pacer Joe Mennie, who was expected to make his Test debut. Usman Khawaja also returns at the expense of all-rounder Moises Henriques.
Australian XI: David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith (captain), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.
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