Off-field controversies have dominated the narrative in the lead up to the Ashes Test series, starting December 8 in Brisbane. England have reached Australia after Azeem Rafiq detailed allegations of institutional racism at Yorkshire where Joe Root, England's captain, plies his trade. Back home, Tim Paine resigned as Australia captain over a sexting scandal and pulled out of Ashes, citing mental health break.
But as Chris Woakes pointed out, both England and Australia are ready to leave the pre-series controversies out of the action when the two teams step out at the Gabba to resume one of cricket's greatest rivalries.
All eyes will be on Pat Cummins, who takes over from Paine as Australia look to retain the Urn. Having only been appointed as the 2nd fast bowler to lead the side, there is pressure on Cummins, considering the workload on bowlers over a period of 5 Tests. Cummins is heading to the Ashes after having shone in Australia's victorious T20 World Cup.
Cummins though has made it clear that Australia's Test leadership will be a collaborative effort with Steve Smith all set to take an elevated vice-captaincy role. It will be a stiff test for the World No. 1 fast bowler as he steps into a new role in a high-profile series as big as the Ashes.
The memories of the Test series defeat to India from earlier this year remains fresh but Australia will be hoping for a new start. The venue of the first Test was the venue where India completed a stunning series victory, breaching Australia's fortress that was unconquered for over 33 years.
GABBA RECORD AND RECENT HISTORY DOESN'T FAVOUR ENGLAND
England will look to emulate India's heroics but it's easier said than done. England and Australia have met 21 times at the Gabba with Australia winning 12 of them and England managing just 4. The visitors' last win at the iconic venue came in 1986.
England will look up to Joe Root, their prolific captain to challenge Australia but recent records doesn't favor the visitors. Root heads into this series as the leading test batsman in the world, having scored 1,455 runs in 12 tests in 2021 at an average of 66.
But England has lost nine of the 10 tests it has played in Australia since its drought-breaking series win Down Under in 2010-11, mostly by big margins. Root has been on the last two tours, and was captain for the 4-0 loss in 2017-18.
England have quite a few concerns as their middle-order looked unstable against a visiting Indian team a couple of months ago at home. England have dropped Jonny Bairstow and brought in Ollie Pope who put up a fight against Virat Kohli's men at the Oval. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is also returning to competitive action after having missed the India series, 2nd half of IPL 2021 and the T20 World Cup and it will be interesting to see how match-ready the premier all-rounder is.
England will also not have their record wicket-taker James Anderson for the first Test as he has been rested as a precautionary measure.
CAN ENGLAND EXPLOIT AUSTRALIA'S WEAKNESSES?
On the other hand, Australia start as favourites but they have a few problems of their own. Barring Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, none of the other batters got going against India earlier this year. However, an in-form David Warner will be looking to return to peak form in Tests against his nemesis, England.
Australia have backed Travis Head for the middle-order role while Alex Carey will take over the wicketkeeper role and a crucial spot in the lower-middle order which also hs Cameron Green who is yet to make a mark at the highest level.
While Australia's bowling attack is looking a well-oiled unit, the hosts will hope Mitchell Starc returns to form, considering the way he was singled out and taken down during the series against India.
England do believe that beating Australia at the Gabba is not an impossible task, as pointed out by Jos Buttler. If they manage to survive the Brisbane test, the visitors will look to pile up pressure on Australia. An exciting week of Test cricket awaits cricket fans.
Australia vs England, 1st Ashes Test: Team News
While Australia announced their playing XI well in advance, England named a 12-man squad on the eve of the Test, leaving out James Anderson and Jonny Bairstow.
Australia XI: Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
England: 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.