Australia's cricket selectors have maintained a steady course, naming an unchanged squad for the crucial second Ashes Test against England at the Gabba, leaving captain Pat Cummins on the sidelines as he continues his recovery.
Captain's Comeback Delayed
Pat Cummins will not make his return in the day-night contest in Brisbane, despite travelling with the team and putting in another lengthy bowling session in the SCG nets on Friday. The national captain is battling a bout of bone stress in his back that ruled him out before the series began.
While he has been operating at his top pace in recent training sessions, Cricket Australia confirmed the 32-year-old fast bowler will head to Queensland to "continue his preparations" without being officially added to the squad for the pink-ball match starting next Friday.
Khawaja's Fitness Battle and Top-Order Conundrum
Veteran opener Usman Khawaja has been retained in the 13-man squad as he manages back spasms that plagued him during the first Test in Perth. The injury prevented him from opening the batting in either innings of the eight-wicket victory, which Australia sealed inside two days.
Khawaja eventually batted at number four in the first innings after a reshuffle but managed only two runs. His absence in the second innings led to a bold tactical move, with Travis Head promoted to open. Head responded with a blistering, match-winning 123 from just 83 balls, igniting debate about a permanent change to the batting order.
Australia's coach, Andrew McDonald, earlier this week declined to guarantee Khawaja's spot for the Gabba Test, emphasising that any selection would first depend on the batsman's fitness.
Bowling Attack and Hazlewood's Status
In the continued absence of both Cummins and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood, the pace attack will again be led by player of the match Mitchell Starc. He will be supported by Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett, with Michael Neser providing cover.
Hazlewood, who is managing a hamstring issue, was also seen bowling off a shortened run-up in the nets alongside Cummins. While rumours suggesting he might miss the entire series have been downplayed, no public timeline has been set for his return.
The unchanged squad indicates the selectors' confidence in the group that secured a dominant win in Perth, while keeping their options open as key players work their way back to full fitness.
