Australia have chosen a squad of 14 players to compete against England in the second Test match of the Ashes series, with their captain Pat Cummins confirmed to be sidelined once again due to an ongoing back ailment.
Pat Cummins to Miss the Second Test
The second Test will take place at the historical Gabba ground on 4 December, with Austraila looking to build on the momentum of their impressive win over England in the opening Test match, which was completed in two days.
Pat Cummins has been travelling to Brisbane to aid in his recovery, however the national selectors chose caution over risk at the beginning of a long series in making their decision not allowing him to play.
Cummins missed the opening Test match in Perth and can be pleased withhis recovery thus far, but the medical staff do not believe it will be a good idea for him to be rushed back into the team for the day-night Test.
Josh Hazlewood Still Unavailable
Likewise Australia will however, once more be without Josh Hazlewood, who remains on the sidelines dealing with a hamstring injury. This opens up an excellent opportunity for some lesser-known fast bowlers to take advantage of the Gabba pitch which is notoriously known for favouring pace bowlers.
Brendan Doggett Should Continue to Be Part of The Squad.
Brendan Doggett impressed in his first Test match in Perth and is likely to maintain his position in The Squad. The Gabba’s pitch is usually very friendly to fast bowlers, meaning Brendan will accompany other quicks Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Michael Neser as part of Australia’s pace attack.
Usman Khawaja Remains in the Squad but Need to Confirm He Is Fit
Khawaja, the long-serving opening batsman, is still in the squad even though he had a very quiet first Test in the series. There has been concern over his availability due to enduring back problems (spasms) during the Perth Test. His participation is contingent upon his successfully clearing a fitness test prior to the match.
Should Khawaja not be able to play, then Beau Webster or Josh Inglis will fill the vacancy in the batting line-up for Australia.
The Squad for the Second Test in The Ashes;
- 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
Ashes 2024–25 Schedule
- First Test: Perth Stadium, Nov 21–25 – Australia won by 8 wickets
- Second Test: Gabba, Dec 4–8
- Third Test: Adelaide Oval, Dec 17–21
- Fourth Test: MCG, Dec 26–30
- Fifth Test: SCG, Jan 4–8
What This Means for Australia
With Cummins and Hazlewood sidelined, Australia’s fast-bowling depth will be tested again. However, their dominant performance in Perth shows they have the firepower to challenge England even without two of their biggest stars.
The focus will now shift to Brisbane, where Australia’s strong record at the Gabba will give them confidence as they aim for a 2–0 lead in the series.
