Post by : Mara Rahim
Australia will go into the second Ashes Test in Brisbane without captain Pat Cummins, who is still recuperating from a back injury. Having not played since July, Cummins was absent during Australia's impressive first Test victory against England in Perth. The 32-year-old has bowled in the nets in Perth and Sydney, but he hasn't met the necessary fitness benchmarks required to return for the Test.
The Australian selectors have announced the same 14-player squad for the day-night encounter at the Gabba, with Steve Smith continuing to captain the side in Cummins' absence. In addition, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood remains sidelined, while opener Usman Khawaja retains his position. Cummins is set to join the team in Brisbane on Sunday to work on his fitness ahead of the potential third Test scheduled in Adelaide, starting December 17.
The bowling line-up is likely to remain unchanged for the pink-ball fixture, with Mitchell Starc delivering a standout performance in Perth, capturing 10 wickets and being named player of the match. He was ably supported by Scott Boland, debutant Brendan Doggett, all-rounder Cameron Green, and off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who faced challenges batting against England's Mark Wood. If Lyon requires rest, he could be substituted by seamer Michael Neser or all-rounder Beau Webster.
Usman Khawaja's fitness is a point of concern after he struggled to get underway in both innings during the Perth Test. Should he be unable to participate at his home ground, the door may open for Josh Inglis, who recently achieved a century for the Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions. Travis Head, who played a crucial role by scoring a remarkable hundred in the second innings in Perth, will aim to continue his form.
Australia boasts an impressive record at Brisbane, having not lost an Ashes Test there since 1986. Across 14 pink-ball Tests, they have experienced just one loss and have claimed victory in all three previous day-night Ashes matches. This solid track record provides the home side with confidence as they prepare for the second Test, despite the absence of both Cummins and Hazlewood.
On the other hand, England has opted not to send any of their first-Test XI to a two-day pink-ball match in Canberra between the England Lions and the Prime Minister’s XI. Instead, they have organized two additional training sessions ahead of the second Test. Captain Ben Stokes and his squad will resume practice at Allan Border Field on Saturday as they gear up to face Australia at the Gabba.
With the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood, Australia will need to depend on their remaining fast bowlers and experienced batting contingent to try to assert dominance in the Ashes. The second Test presents a pivotal opportunity for both sides to gain momentum in this storied series. Fans are keen to see if Australia can extend their unbeaten Ashes run in Brisbane, while England seeks to adapt and recover in the pink-ball setting.
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