Disgraced former captain Steve Smith has returned to lead Australia in the second Ashes test against England, with current skipper Pat Cummins ruled out, after being identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case.
Cummins, 28, assumed the Australian captaincy before the Ashes series and led his side to a convincing nine wicket victory over England at Brisbane last week.
But after dining at an Adelaide restaurant, where a COVID-positive patron also attended, Cummins will isolate for seven days as part of Cricket Australia's protocols.
Smith, 32, will return to the captaincy for the first time in nearly four years, after being stripped of the role for his involvement in the 2018 sandpaper scandal in South Africa.
Smith served a one-year ban from playing and was suspended from holding a leadership role within the Australian side.
Cummins' absence will also mean a test debut for 31-year-old all-rounder Michael Neser, who was initially overlooked for the second test for Jhye Richardson, replacing injured quick Josh Hazlewood.
