Australia have named an unchanged squad for the day-night second Ashes Test in Brisbane, with captain Pat Cummins missing out once again as he continues to recover from a lower-back injury.
The star fast bowler has been out of action since suffering the injury during the West Indies series four months ago. Although Cummins recently returned to full intensity in the nets and rated himself “half a chance” to feature in Brisbane, selectors have opted not to rush him back. He will now aim for a return in the third Test in Adelaide on December 17.
Fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a hamstring issue.
Smith To Continue As Captain
With Cummins absent, Steve Smith will continue to lead Australia. Fast bowler Brendan Doggett is set to head the attack again alongside Mitchell Starc, who was the hero of the opening Test with a 10-wicket haul, and Scott Boland on another expected fast Gabba surface.
The second Test begins on December 4, with Australia looking to extend their 1–0 lead after a dominant eight-wicket victory in Perth.
Khawaja Retains His Spot In The Squad
Under-pressure opener Usman Khawaja has kept his place in the squad despite growing calls for him to be dropped. The 38-year-old missed both innings in Perth due to back spasms and has not scored a Test hundred on home soil since January 2023.
In his absence, Marnus Labuschagne and later Travis Head opened the innings. Head made a strong case with a blistering 123 off 83 balls, raising questions about whether he should continue as opener.
Should Khawaja be left out of the XI, it may open the door for all-rounder Beau Webster, who has been in impressive form and provides an additional bowling option.
