Australia have confirmed their XI for Saturday's opening Test against South Africa at the Gabba, with captain Pat Cummins returning to the side following a quad issue.

Cummins' inclusions will mean fellow paceman Michael Neser makes way in the squad for the skipper in what is the only change to Andrew McDonald's XI for the first Test clash with the Proteas.

The return of Cummins will also mean Steve Smith will step back into the role as Cummins' deputy, having led Australia to a commanding win over the West Indies in Adelaide last week.

Scott Boland has held his place in the Aussies' bowling attack and will work with Cummins, Mitch Starc, Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon at the tail end.

Incumbent paceman Josh Hazlewood remains sidelined with a side strain and could be in the frame for a return for the second Test in Melbourne later this month.

The first Test in Brisbane will get underway at 11:20am (AEDT), with South Africa to confirm their XI closer to the toss.

Australia XI:ย David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

South Africa squad:ย Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Theunis de Bruyn, Sarel Eree, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Heinrich Klaasen, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams, Khaya Zondo