Australia’s cricket captain, Pat Cummins, is likely to miss the upcoming second Ashes Test as the team has selected an unchanged 14-man squad for the day-night match in Brisbane. Cummins, who was sidelined in the previous match at Perth Stadium due to a persistent back issue, had shown progress in training but was excluded from the squad announcement. Despite undergoing additional fitness work and practice sessions, Cummins’ exclusion was not explained officially, with the team only mentioning that he would continue his preparations in Brisbane.
The absence of Cummins is seen as advantageous for England, even though Australia managed to secure a victory in the first test without him. Mitchell Starc, who excelled in the previous match with a ten-wicket haul, will lead the bowling attack alongside Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland in support. Usman Khawaja, who struggled with back spasms in the first test, is retained in the squad, with uncertainty surrounding his place in the playing XI.
The Australia squad for the second Ashes Test against England includes 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, and Beau Webster. It remains to be seen if Cummins will make a surprise inclusion in the squad as he continues his preparations in Brisbane.