Australia have named an unchanged squad for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, with captain Pat Cummins again not included as he continues his recovery from a lower-back injury. Steve Smith will lead the side again in the day-night Test at the Gabba starting December 4, with Australia looking to extend their 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test: Australia’s Squad
Australia’s Squad: Steve Smith (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test: Why Is Pat Cummins Missing?
The 32-year-old has not played since sustaining a back injury during the series against the West Indies four months ago. The fast-bowling spearhead returned to full intensity in the nets last week and hinted he was “half a chance” to play, but selectors opted for caution.
Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test: Is Pat Cummins Travelling with the team?
Cummins will travel with the squad to Brisbane to continue preparations, but is now expected to target a return in the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, beginning December 17. Australia are wary of his workload ahead of a long season and therefore do not want to rush their premier pacer back into competitive red-ball cricket.
Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test: How Does Cummins’ Absence Affect Australia’s Plan?
With Cummins and fellow senior quick Josh Hazlewood still unavailable, Hazlewood is recovering from a hamstring problem. Australia will continue to rely on the trio that delivered an emphatic win in Perth. Brendan Doggett is set to take the new ball once more, joined by Mitchell Starc, who claimed a 10-wicket match haul and Scott Boland, known for thriving on fast, bouncy tracks.
Traditionally, the Gabba pitch offers plenty of pace and movement; in other words, perfect conditions for their attack. Australia will look to exploit the venue’s strengths once more as they go for a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test: Will Usman Khawaja Play?
Usman Khawaja had been retained despite debates about his form and fitness, but the 38-year-old struggled in Perth, where back spasms stopped him from opening the batting in either innings, and he didn’t score many runs.
Temporary reshuffles saw Marnus Labuschagne open in the first innings, and Travis Head, who blasted a match-winning 123 off 83 balls, open in the second. That explosive innings from Head has now created a selection puzzle.
Australia will likely finalise the XI on the eve of the match, but Khawaja’s spot remains under scrutiny. If the selectors want Head at the top, that might open a spot for all-rounder Beau Webster, whose good domestic form and bonus bowling option make him a tempting pick.
