Brisbane: Cricket Australia has announced the squad for the second Ashes Test against England, scheduled at The Gabba, Brisbane. Captain Pat Cummins will miss the match, continuing his recovery from a lower-back stress fracture.
Cummins, who led Australia to a comfortable victory in the first Test at Perth, has been given rest by the team management to avoid any risk of aggravating his injury. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is also sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Squad Remains Largely Unchanged
Australia has made no changes to the squad for the second Test. Usman Khawaja remains included despite not being fully fit during the Perth Test. Steve Smith will lead the team in Cummins’ absence, having previously captained Australia in Ashes matches. While Cummins will travel with the team, he will not play in Brisbane.
Cricket Australia has refrained from providing a definite timeline for Cummins’ return, emphasizing that the priority is full fitness. The decision ensures that Cummins does not face unnecessary pressure to return prematurely.
Team Strategy and Opening Concerns
If Travis Head opens the batting as he does in ODIs, the middle order may see Josh Inglis or all-rounder Beau Webster included. This raises questions about the future of 39-year-old Khawaja, whose international career may be nearing its conclusion.
Meanwhile, Hazlewood has been seen training with Cummins in Sydney but is not ready for full-speed bowling due to his hamstring injury.
Australia’s Squad for 2nd Ashes Test
- Steve Smith (Captain)
- 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
The second Test presents an opportunity for England to strike back in the five-match series, while Australia will aim to consolidate their dominance even without Cummins and Hazlewood.
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