Cummins Ruled Out of Brisbane Test as Australia Retain Unchanged 14-Man Squad
Australia have named an unchanged 14-player squad for the day-night second Test against England at the Gabba, with Pat Cummins again missing as he continues his recovery from a back injury.
Selectors opted to retain the group that featured in the series opener in Perth, meaning Josh Inglis, Michael Neser and Beau Webster remain outside the playing XI for now. Cummins trained extensively at the SCG on Friday — bowling to stand-in captain Steven Smith — and will travel with the squad to Brisbane as he builds towards a return. He is expected to bowl again on Monday, but the more realistic target is the third Test in Adelaide, giving him an additional two weeks of preparation.
Usman Khawaja has also been included despite being hampered by back spasms in Perth, which prevented him from opening the batting in either innings. Travis Head’s impressive showing at the top of the order during Australia’s run-chase has sparked debate about whether the move should become permanent. However, if Khawaja is fully fit, he is still favoured to resume his role, with Inglis and Webster available as middle-order alternatives.
With Cummins sidelined, Brendan Doggett — who impressed with a five-wicket haul in Perth — is set to retain his spot in the pace attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Doggett said he feels ready to back up should he be selected again in Brisbane.
A lingering question surrounds the use of off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who bowled just two overs in Perth and was omitted from Australia’s most recent pink-ball Test in Jamaica.
Josh Hazlewood, meanwhile, has continued his recovery from a hamstring injury with a light bowling session on Friday. Although he was never in contention for the Brisbane Test, there remains optimism that he could feature later in the series.
The Australian squad will assemble in Brisbane on Sunday.
Australia squad for second Test vs England
Steve Smith (capt), 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