Cummins will not play in the Brisbane Test against England as Australia keeps the same 14 players

Ashes 2025 2nd Test: Cummins will not play in the Brisbane Test against England as Australia keeps the same 14 players

Australia have kept the same 14-player squad for the second Test against England at the Gabba. This means Pat Cummins is not included yet. He trained in Sydney and bowled to captain Steven Smith, but the plan is for him to return in the third Test at Adelaide after more recovery time.

In Perth, Cummins had said he had “half a chance” of being ready for Brisbane. He has already bowled with the pink ball, but the selectors want to give him more time.

Usman Khawaja stays in the squad even though back pain stopped him from opening in Perth. Travis Head opened instead and smashed 123 runs off 83 balls, which started a talk about whether he should stay as an opener. If Khawaja is fit, he is expected to play, but Josh Inglis and Beau Webster are backup batting options.

With Cummins missing, Brendan Doggett, who took five wickets in Perth, is likely to play again alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Doggett said he feels ready if picked for the second Test.

There is some doubt about Nathan Lyon, who bowled only two overs in Perth and missed Australia’s last pink-ball Test. Webster could be used as an extra allrounder, or Michael Neser might come in since he can also bat.

Josh Hazlewood is still recovering from a hamstring injury. He bowled lightly on Friday and may play later in the series, but not in Brisbane. The team will meet in Brisbane on Sunday.

Australia squad for second Test vs England

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