Pat Cummins' classy gesture after missing second Ashes Test

Pat Cummins has produced a classy gesture for Michael Neser after being forced to miss the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.

A "gutted" Cummins will watch the day-night Test from his hotel room in isolation after being deemed a close contact of a positive Covid-19 case.

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Australia's captain was at a restaurant on Wednesday night when a person at a nearby table to him discovered they had tested positive to the virus.

Cummins, who was dining with his brother and Adelaide Strikers player Harry Conway, immediately left the venue and notified officials.

The Australia quick has since tested negative for Covid-19, however under South Australian health rules he must quarantine for seven days regardless.

Michael Neser will now make his Test debut as part of a new-look Australia attack, with Jhye Richardson replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood.

Glenn McGrath presented Neser with his Baggy Green cap on Thursday afternoon before the first ball.

Cummins took to Twitter to say he was gutted to miss the Test but happy to see Neser get his chance.

"Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green," Cummins posted on Twitter.

"He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player.

"Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along!"

Aussies dodge a bullet after Starc and Lyon also present

Incredibly, just a number of metres saved Australia from having their entire frontline bowling attack wiped out via the restaurant visit.

Both Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were also present on Wednesday evening - as well as other Strikers players - but they were seated outside and therefore only deemed casual contacts.

Starc and Lyon were tested on Thursday morning, but both are free to play against England under SA health rules.

Cummins will be available for the Boxing Day Test, provided he continues to test negative.

There is no suggestion any party has done anything wrong, with incoming passengers into Adelaide from NSW and Victoria not required to quarantine after their initial test.

Regardless it means Travis Head will take up the role of vice-captain without Cummins in the side, after once holding the role in conjunction with the quick three years ago.

Cummins, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, claimed a five-wicket haul in the series-opening win at the Gabba and his absence comes as massive blow to Australia when considering Hazlewood's injury.

With Hazlewood unavailable, Cummins was expected to reclaim the new ball for the pink-ball match having taken 46 wickets at an average of 16.23 in day-night Tests.

with AAP

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