Pat Cummins Absent for Second Ashes Test as Australia Aims for Victory

Post by : Raina Nasser

Australia will be without their captain, Pat Cummins, for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane as he recuperates from a back injury. Having been sidelined since July, Cummins also missed the initial Test in Perth, where Australia triumphed over England in a remarkable performance.

The 32-year-old fast bowler showed signs of recovery by bowling in the nets both in Perth and Sydney, which raised hopes for his participation in the forthcoming day-night Test at the Gabba starting Thursday. However, Australia has confirmed an unchanged 14-player squad, with Steve Smith stepping in as captain. The injured Josh Hazlewood will also remain unavailable, while opener Usman Khawaja retains his spot.

Cummins has yet to undergo the necessary preparations for a Test return and will join the squad in Brisbane on Sunday to further his recovery. Missing this match allows him nearly three additional weeks to gear up for a potential comeback in the third Test in Adelaide, scheduled from December 17. Hazlewood, who is 34, has been bowling in nets in Sydney but lacks a confirmed return timeline following his hamstring injury.

Given the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood, Australia is likely to feature the same bowling attack that excelled in Perth. Mitchell Starc, who claimed ten wickets in the first Test and was named player of the match, will be joined by Scott Boland, debutant Brendan Doggett, all-rounder Cameron Green, and off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Lyon faced challenges in Perth after being struck by a delivery from England's Mark Wood. If Australia opts to bench Lyon in Brisbane, either seamer Michael Neser or all-rounder Beau Webster might take his place.

Khawaja's position is under scrutiny after he struggled to open in either innings in Perth. Travis Head, moved up from number five, delivered a standout performance with one of the most remarkable Ashes hundreds in the second innings to clinch victory for Australia. Should Khawaja be rested at his home ground, Josh Inglis, who recently shone by scoring a century for a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions, could seize his opportunity.

Australia boasts a formidable record in Brisbane, having not lost an Ashes Test at the Gabba since 1986, victorious in all three Ashes day-night Tests held at the venue and losing just once in 14 pink-ball Tests overall.

On the flip side, England has decided against including any members of their first-Test XI in a two-day pink-ball match with the Prime Minister’s XI starting Saturday in Canberra. The team has also organized two additional training sessions in preparation for the second Test, returning to practice at Allan Border Field on Saturday. England's captain, Ben Stokes, is anticipated to speak with the media before the match.

As the second Ashes Test approaches, Australia's depth and resilience shine through despite injuries to key players, while England seeks to regroup and gear up for a demanding day-night match at the iconic Gabba.