Brisbane, Nov 28 (UNI) Australian selectors have named an unchanged 14-member squad for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, as captain Pat Cummins continues to recover from a back injury and has been ruled out for the day-night encounter beginning Thursday.
According to the Cricket Australia, Cummins, who missed Australia’s eight-wicket victory in the first Test in Perth due to lumbar stress, has been given an additional two weeks to regain full fitness.
Cummins trained strongly at the SCG on Friday, bowling at what appeared to be full speed to Steve Smith for more than an hour with a pink ball after getting through a similar session at NSW’s Cricket Central headquarters on Tuesday.
The decision paves the way for Queensland quick Brendan Doggett to retain his place in the XI after a highly impressive debut in Perth, where he claimed five wickets and played a crucial role in Australia taking a 1–0 lead.
Cummins is expected to be in strong contention for the third Test in Adelaide starting December 17.
Josh Hazlewood, who is also recovering from a hamstring strain sustained during Sheffield Shield duties, bowled in the nets this week, albeit with a red ball, and remains on track for a later Ashes return, according to head coach Andrew McDonald.
The selectors have also included veteran opener Usman Khawaja, who suffered back spasms and was unable to bat in Australia’s second innings in Perth. Khawaja will need to prove his fitness when the squad assembles in Brisbane on Sunday.
Travis Head took the 38-year-old left-hander’s place at the top of the order and blazed the second-fastest century in Ashes history as Australia cantered to their 205-run target in 28.2 overs to take a lead in the series.
McDonald said the team had “a lot to consider” regarding their batting structure for Brisbane, with Head indicating he is “comfortable” in any position.
Meanwhile, England arrived in Brisbane on Thursday, with their entire first Test XI opting against pink-ball match practice with only unused squad members Jacob Bethell, Matthew Potts, and Josh Tongue to feature against the Prime Minister’s XI this weekend.
Ben Stokes’ side will train at the Gabba on Sunday afternoon, followed by a session under lights on Monday.
Australia squad for second Test: Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
