Australia will face a challenge in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane without their captain, Pat Cummins, who is still recovering from a back injury. Notably, Cummins has been absent from the pitch since July, missing Australia’s dominant win over England in the first Test at Perth. Although he practiced in the nets both in Perth and Sydney, he has yet to meet the training requirements to return to competitive play.
The team has confirmed they will retain the same 14-player lineup for the day-night Test at the Gabba, scheduled to be led once more by stand-in captain Steve Smith. In addition, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss this match due to injury, while opener Usman Khawaja continues to hold his position. Cummins is expected to arrive in Brisbane on Sunday to continue his recovery, with hopes of fitness in time for the possible third Test in Adelaide beginning 17 December.
Australia is likely to maintain their bowling lineup for the pink-ball contest. Mitchell Starc was phenomenal in Perth, claiming 10 wickets and receiving the player-of-the-match accolade. He was supported by Scott Boland, debutant Brendan Doggett, all-rounder Cameron Green, and off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who encountered difficulties in Perth due to an injury sustained from a hit while batting by England’s Mark Wood. Should Lyon need resting, seamer Michael Neser or all-rounder Beau Webster could step in.
Usman Khawaja's fitness raises concerns after his struggles in both innings at Perth. If he is unable to compete at his home ground, it might provide an opening for Josh Inglis, who recently scored a century for the Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions. Meanwhile, Travis Head, elevated in the batting order during the second innings at Perth, scored a remarkable hundred, proving instrumental to Australia’s first Test success.
Australia boasts a stellar Ashes record in Brisbane, having not lost in the venue since 1986. Of the 14 pink-ball Tests, they have only faced defeat once, securing victories in all three previous day-night Ashes matches. This impressive track record offers the home team a confidence boost, particularly in the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood.
On the other side, England has opted against sending any of their first-Test XI to participate in a two-day pink-ball match in Canberra featuring the England Lions and Prime Minister’s XI. Instead, they have organized additional training sessions to prepare for the second Test. Captain Ben Stokes and the team will resume practice at Allan Border Field on Saturday, gearing up to take on Australia at the Gabba.
With Cummins and Hazlewood unavailable, Australia will rely heavily on its remaining fast bowlers along with their seasoned batting lineup to uphold their dominance in the series. The forthcoming match provides an essential chance for both sides to gain traction in this revered competition. Fans will closely monitor as Australia aims to enhance its unbeaten Ashes record in Brisbane, while England hopes to adapt and recover under the pink-ball conditions.
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