Cricket Australia has retained the same 14-member squad for the second Ashes 2025–26 Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, starting Thursday, December 4. Usman Khawaja remains part of the team after missing the chance to bat in the first innings of the Perth Test due to back spasms, while regular captain Pat Cummins has been given an additional two weeks to regain full fitness.
Cummins trained at full intensity at the Sydney Cricket Ground, bowling with the pink ball for over an hour, following a similar practice session at New South Wales’ Cricket Central facility on Tuesday. Even though the 32-year-old looked close to making a comeback, team management has decided not to rush him, and he is expected to return only for the third Test in Adelaide, starting December 17.
With Josh Hazlewood still recovering, Brendan Doggett is set to keep his spot in the playing XI, while Steve Smith will continue to captain Australia in Cummins’ absence. Doggett, who made his debut in the first Test in Perth, impressed by picking up five wickets across both innings.
He might also be handed the new ball in Adelaide alongside pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, especially since Scott Boland found it difficult to make an impact in the series opener. With Travis Head delivering a brilliant performance at the top during the run chase in Perth, there is now uncertainty over whether he will continue opening the innings in place of Khawaja.
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.
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Meanwhile, Hazlewood, dealing with a hamstring injury, admitted that setting a timeline for his comeback is difficult but expressed hope that the team will be in a strong position by the time he returns. He told Fox Sports:
“It’s coming along slowly. I’ll have another bowl today, just started the other day. Running and everything’s going well. It’s probably tough to put a timeline on (recovery) … play a part in the back end, hopefully. Hopefully it’s not still in the balance, hopefully we’re on top by then.”
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