Australia has named an unchanged 14-player squad for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, keeping captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines. The decision hands England another opportunity to level the five-match series after their eight-wicket defeat in Perth.
Cummins will travel to Brisbane to continue his recovery from a back injury detected after Australia's 3-0 Test series win in the Caribbean in July. Cricket Australia said: «Pat Cummins will travel to Brisbane to continue his preparations. The squad assembles in Brisbane from Sunday.» The 32-year-old has not played since July and has not completed the full program required for his return to Test cricket.
Hazlewood, 34, missed the series opener with a hamstring strain and has been bowling in the nets in Sydney but is still short of full pace. His continued absence alongside Cummins represents a major boost for England, particularly in day-night conditions where both bowlers excel.
Starc leads attack
Mitchell Starc will spearhead Australia's bowling attack after his player-of-the-match performance in Perth, where he took 10 wickets. The left-arm seamer is the leading wicket-taker in day-night Test cricket with 81 wickets. Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland will support Starc, with all-rounder Beau Webster available as an additional seam option.
Steve Smith will captain the side for the second consecutive Test. The unchanged squad includes questions over several positions ahead of Thursday's start at the Gabba.
Selection questions emerge
Usman Khawaja retains his place despite back spasms curtailing his involvement in Perth and growing scrutiny over his position. Travis Head's match-winning 69-ball century in the first Test has sparked calls for his promotion to become permanent, which could open a middle-order spot for Josh Inglis or Beau Webster. Inglis recently scored a century for a Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions.
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon also remains in the squad after struggling in Perth, where he was struck by England fast bowler Mark Wood while batting. Potential replacements include seamer Michael Neser or all-rounder Webster.
Australian dominance at the Gabba
Australia has not lost an Ashes Test in Brisbane since 1986 and boasts a formidable pink-ball record, having lost only one of 14 day-night Tests. The hosts have beaten England in all three previous Ashes day-nighters.
The second Test begins on Thursday at 23:30 GMT. England captain Ben Stokes is scheduled to speak to the media on Saturday.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
