In a big relief to the Australia Test side, their skipper Pat Cummins has tested negative for Covid-19 infection and can come back into the side after isolation of seven days.
Cummins got ruled out of the ongoing Day-Night Test being played at the Adelaide Oval to allow Steve Smith to come back as Australia’s Test captain after a gap of four years.
Cummins should walk back into Australia’s biosecure bubble after completing his term in isolation and before the Boxing Day scheduled to start on December 26 at the MCG.
Cummins’s absence left a big void in the Australian bowling track with Josh Hazlewood already out to side strain. Australia are playing with Jhye Richardson, who is returning after three years, debutant Michael Neser and Mitchell Starc. Despite being known for his prowess with the pink ball, Starc's recent issues with consistency and accuracy can put Smith under bother with his error in line and length.