Head named vice-captain as Australia look to future

SYDNEY - Travis Head was reappointed as a vice-captain of the Australian Test side as selectors look to the future, while Pakistan named two debutants for the opening clash in Perth.

Head was added as deputy alongside Steve Smith, skipper Pat Cummins said in announcing a playing XI with one change from their last Test against England at the Oval in July.

That will see fit-again veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who is four wickets away from joining the elite 500 club, retake his place ahead of Todd Murphy.

David Warner will open the batting in what is expected to be his last Test series. He is under intense scrutiny after a lean run and questions over whether he deserves to be in the side.

Opening partner Usman Khawaja has also been in the spotlight after indicating he planned to wear shoes during the match starting Thursday with messages highlighting the plight of people in Gaza.

That appears unlikely to now happen, with the International Cricket Council banning any messages during matches that relate to politics, religion or race.

"I spoke to him just quickly and he said he won't be," Cummins told reporters on the eve of the first of three Tests.

The popular 29-year-old Head was previously Test co-vice-captain with Cummins when Tim Paine was in charge and has since entrenched himself in the side.

"He's been playing for a long time, he's always been a leader in our group, so we thought it was a good time to formally recognise that," said Cummins.