Ashes 2025-26: Pat Cummins not fit for Brisbane Test; Australia unchanged from Perth | CricTracker

Australia have announced an unchanged squad for the second Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series, set to begin on December 4 at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane. The hosts currently lead the five-match series 1-0 after a dominant eight-wicket win over England in the opening Test in Perth.

Pacer Mitchell Starc showcased his class with a superb 10-wicket match haul, spearheading Australia’s bowling attack. He received strong support from Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett, the latter preferred over Michael Neser for the series opener.

With the bat, Travis Head delivered a blistering performance, smashing 123 off 83 balls in the second innings to chase down the target in under 30 overs. Australia set to open with Jake Weatherald and Usman Khawaja, but the opening batter was pushed down the order as he had not spent the required time on the field to bat at his usual spot.

The 38-year-old struggled with back spasms on both days of the Test, forcing Marnus Labuschagne to open in the first innings, while Head, who smashed a match-winning century for the chase, filled the role in the second. After clinching victory well inside two days, the hosts opted to retain the same combination for the next match as well.

What is the status on Pat Cummins’ injury?

Pat Cummins has not been included in the squad for Brisbane. He underwent an extensive training session at the SCG on November 28, bowling to stand-in captain Steven Smith, and will travel with the team to continue his preparation. He is scheduled to bowl again on December 1, and while selectors could still add him later, the more likely scenario is a return for the third Test in Adelaide, giving him additional recovery time.

There are also questions surrounding Nathan Lyon’s role, as he bowled only two overs in Perth and did not feature in Australia’s most recent pink-ball Test in Jamaica. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, bowling lightly on Friday and remaining an outside chance to feature later in the series. Australia will assemble in Brisbane on Sunday ahead of the second Test.

Australia squad for 2nd Test vs England:

Steve Smith (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (WK), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

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