Australia have named an unchanged 14-man squad for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, starting December 4, with both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out again due to injury setbacks.
The pace duo had raised hopes of a return after being seen bowling in the nets in Sydney, but selectors opted for caution, extending their recovery periods. Steve Smith will continue to lead the side in Cummins’ absence, just as he did during the dominant eight-wicket win in Perth that gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-Test series.
Despite being unavailable, Cummins will remain with the squad and continue his rehabilitation. As Cricket Australia confirmed, “Pat Cummins will travel to Brisbane to continue his preparations. The squad assembles in Brisbane from Sunday.”
Starc to lead pace attack again, Boland and Doggett retain spots
With Cummins and Hazlewood sidelined, Mitchell Starc, who starred in Perth with a 10-wicket haul and continues to lead all bowlers in day-night Tests, will once again spearhead the attack. Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett are expected to retain their supporting roles.
Hazlewood, who has been recovering from a side strain, provided a small update on his condition after a training session at the SCG.
“It’s coming along slowly. I’ll have another bowl today; I just started the other day. Running and everything’s going well,” Hazlewood said on Friday.
He added:
“It’s probably tough to put a timeline on it. I think ‘Ron’ (Australian coach Andrew McDonald) probably nailed it the other day – play a part in the back end, hopefully. Hopefully it’s not still in the balance, hopefully we’re on top by then.”
Khawaja retained despite injury scare
Usman Khawaja has also been retained in the squad despite suffering back spasms that limited his participation during the first Test. He scored just one run in the first innings and did not bat in the second after a fall while fielding worsened the issue.
Still, the veteran opener has expressed confidence in being ready for Brisbane.
“I should be right,” Khawaja said of his prospects of being fit to feature at Brisbane.
“I’ve never had back spasms before, so it’s been quite new for me. I’ve been quite lucky. I’m 39 years old [on December 18] and have always had a pretty solid back. Rachel, my wife, has been taking care of me – she’s been letting me sleep in a fair bit actually, I’ve really been taking advantage of it.”
Khawaja’s availability creates a selection dilemma for the Australian think tank, especially after Travis Head’s explosive 123 off 83 balls as an emergency opener in the second innings at Perth. The selectors may yet consider promoting Head again or even including Beau Webster as an all-round option.
Australia’s unchanged squad for Brisbane
- 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
With a 1-0 series advantage, a winning combination, and home conditions at the Gabba, Australia will be confident heading into the day-night Test—despite missing two of their most seasoned pacers.
