Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, is likely to miss the second Ashes Test as the team announced an unchanged 14-man squad for the upcoming day-night match in Brisbane. Cummins, who was sidelined in the previous two-day victory in Perth due to a persistent back issue, had been showing good form in practice sessions but was omitted from the squad selection.
Although Cummins participated in additional fitness activities and bowled to stand-in captain Steve Smith during a recent training session in Sydney, he was not included in the finalized squad. The team management did not provide a specific reason for Cummins’ exclusion but stated that he would continue his preparations in Brisbane.
Despite the possibility of Cummins joining the squad later, his absence remains a significant advantage for England. Mitchell Starc, who excelled in the previous match, will lead the bowling attack alongside Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland in Hazlewood’s absence.
Usman Khawaja, who battled back spasms in the first Test, is retained in the squad, while Travis Head’s impressive performance may see him continue as an opener. The final XI selection is yet to be confirmed, with options like Josh Inglis and Beau Webster available for consideration.
The Australia squad for the second Ashes Test includes Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, and Beau Webster.
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