Post by : Maya Rahman

Australia will be without its captain, Pat Cummins, during the second Ashes Test in Brisbane as he continues his recovery from a back injury. Having last played in July, Cummins missed Australia’s emphatic win over England in the first Test held in Perth. The 32-year-old has practiced in the nets, both in Perth and Sydney, but hasn't yet fulfilled the necessary recovery protocol to return for match play.

The Australian team has confirmed the same 14-player roster for the day-night second Test at the Gabba, once again under the leadership of stand-in captain Steve Smith. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will also be absent due to injury, while opener Usman Khawaja retains his position. Cummins is set to join the squad in Brisbane on Sunday and will continue to focus on his fitness ahead of a possible third Test in Adelaide starting 17 December.

The bowling lineup for Australia may see no changes for the pink-ball encounter. Mitchell Starc delivered a stellar performance in Perth, claiming 10 wickets and receiving the player-of-the-match accolade. He was backed by Scott Boland, debutant Brendan Doggett, all-rounder Cameron Green, and off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Lyon faced challenges during the last match after being struck while batting by England’s Mark Wood. Should the team choose to rest Lyon, either Michael Neser or all-rounder Beau Webster may step in.

Concerns regarding Khawaja’s fitness arise following his struggles in both innings in Perth. If he cannot participate at his home ground, it may allow space for Josh Inglis, who recently scored a century for the Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions. Travis Head, who was promoted during the second innings in Perth, played a remarkable role in leading Australia to victory with his impressive hundred.

Australia boasts a formidable record in Brisbane, having not lost an Ashes Test there since 1986. Across 14 previous pink-ball matches, they have suffered just one defeat and have triumphed in all three day-night Ashes contests. This strong legacy offers the home side significant confidence leading into the second Test, especially without Cummins and Hazlewood.

England, meanwhile, opted not to field any of their first-Test XI in a two-day pink-ball practice match in Canberra involving the England Lions and the Prime Minister’s XI. Instead, the tourists have organized additional training sessions ahead of the second Test. Captain Ben Stokes and the team will return to practice at Allan Border Field on Saturday as they prepare to face Australia at the Gabba.

With the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood, Australia will heavily depend on their remaining fast bowlers and seasoned batting lineup to sustain their Ashes supremacy. The second Test represents a pivotal moment for both teams to gain momentum in this illustrious series. Eyes will be on Australia as they aim to prolong their unbeaten Ashes streak in Brisbane while England looks to recover and adjust to the pink-ball format.

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