Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Australia will be without the leadership of captain Pat Cummins for the upcoming second Ashes Test in Brisbane as he continues to recover from a back injury. Cummins has been out since July, missing the thrilling first Test in Perth where Australia delivered a stunning performance against England.
Despite having bowled in practice both in Perth and Sydney, expectations for his return during the day-night Test at the Gabba, commencing Thursday, have diminished. The Australian team has named an unchanged squad of 14, with Steve Smith stepping in as captain. Fellow injured fast bowler Josh Hazlewood remains unavailable, while opener Usman Khawaja keeps his position.
Cummins has yet to complete necessary preparations for a Test return, but he will be in Brisbane on Sunday to continue his recovery. Missed time now allows him an extended window to prepare for a potential comeback for the third Test in Adelaide, starting December 17. Meanwhile, Hazlewood, who is 34, has been seen bowling in nets in Sydney following a hamstring issue, but there's no confirmed return date.
Without Cummins and Hazlewood, Australia is expected to rely on the same bowling lineup that excelled against England in Perth. Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc led the way with ten wickets in the first Test, earning the player of the match title, supported by Scott Boland, debutant Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, and off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Although Lyon faced challenges in Perth, he remains in the mix, though Michael Neser or Beau Webster could step in if he is left out in Brisbane.
Khawaja's position may be questioned after struggling to open during the previous match in Perth. Travis Head, who moved up from number five, scored a remarkable century in the second innings to help Australia secure victory. If Khawaja is rested at home, Josh Inglis—who recently scored a century against England Lions—could be considered.
Australia boasts an impressive track record in Brisbane, having not lost an Ashes Test at the Gabba since 1986. They have won every Ashes day-night Test held at the venue and lost just once in 14 overall pink-ball Tests.
On the other side, England has chosen not to use any of their first-Test players in a two-day pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, starting Saturday. The team has also planned extra training sessions ahead of the second Test, returning to practice at Allan Border Field on Saturday. England captain Ben Stokes is expected to hold a media briefing before the match.
With the build-up to the second Ashes Test, Australia is demonstrating its depth and resilience, showing strength in the face of injuries. England is working to regroup and prepare for a demanding day-night matchup at the historic Gabba.
English
