Australia's anthem is a tune, isn't it? I'm not sure whether that's classed as an unpopular opinion or not, but it's great.

Anyway, we're nearly ready. Stuart Broad runs ahead about 30 metres ahead of all his teammates, whirling his arms about and sporting his headband. Keen.

I'm with you on that one, Charlie.

Charlie: There must be a word or phrase that perfectly describes both feeling genuinely sorry for someone but also can't help feeling a tinge of potential excitement.

Chris Jones: He’s captain, he scores all the runs. Can we give him more to do? Why not.

Image source, Getty Images

The captains lead their teams out for the anthems.

Adelaide looks absolutely amazing. And very warm. And good for batting.

We'll be hearing that a lot today, I'd imagine.

Steven Finn
Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

This is a magical place.

Can confirm that this is a slightly nicer view than what I currently have. My spare room overlooks a food packaging factory.

Not quite the same, is it?

Jack Rule: I’m going to say it now, England are going to regret dropping Jack Leach. We will end up not bowling under lights, spending hours in the sun on a spinning pitch.

Steven Finn
Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

It is curious. The idea of a spinner on a wicket such as this is to control the scoring rate because there is going to be little to no purchase. What England had to weigh up is whether Leach would be able to control the scoring rate. On last week the answer is no. The other option is Dominic Bess or you play one of your experienced seamers.

England are going to have to rush through their overs to keep up with their over-rate. From a tactical point of view I don't mind it.

On to England's team selection, then.

Jack Leach did not have a great time at The Gabba. But was it the right call to leave him out in this one? It looks very, very hot and could be a tough day for an all-pace attack.

Suspect Joe Root will be getting through a fair few overs of his own.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley on Pat Cummins situation: "I think we have just been extremely unlucky. Pat is a case of wrong place, wrong time. The alternative would be lock everyone down completely for the whole tour and we have learnt over the past 18 months that has other consequences in terms of health and wellbeing. It is a really disappointing situation."

Steve Smith returning to captaincy will also be a big talking point, naturally.

Don't worry too much though, England fans. He only averages 70.36 as captain in Tests.

Geoff Lemon
Australian journalist on Test Match Special

This makes you think about the protocols. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were at the same restaurant but sat outside so had no problems. Why was that not the protocol?

Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on BBC Test Match Special

To be pinged in a restaurant last night sounds like really bad luck.

England captain Joe Root: "We'd have definitely batted first as well - it looks a good surface, but we will have the pink ball in hand early, on and with the glare that could play into our hands.

"It's unfortunate for Pat Cummins but it's the world we're currently living in. We're very wary of it as players, but we respect the rest of their squad too and what they are capable of.

"Stuart Broad and James Anderson offer so much all the time. For Stuart to get to the milestone finally, after that injury last year, getting to that landmark in Ashes Test, there is no more motivation needed for him.

"This is a great opportunity for those two to lead from the front again."

England: Haseeb Hameed, Rory Burns, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (WK), Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.

Australia: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson.

Australia captain Steve Smith: "You can control the game if you bat first. We are hoping to put the runs on the board."

On being captain after Pat Cummins was ruled out: "It is a huge honour. It has been a pretty interesting morning. I feel for Patty missing this game. He just said good luck go for it, it is your team this week."

Steve Smith gets a decent start to his return to captaincy.

We'll bring you the full team news shortly, but earlier Jimmy Anderson made a speech and presented Stuart Broad with his 150th cap - so that's one name I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing.

Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on BBC Test Match Special

I think the captain who wins the toss will be nailed on to bat on a glorious day.

So, it's been an eventful morning.

Is this England's Glenn McGrath at Edgbaston moment ... ?