Cricket Australia (CA) on Friday (November 27) announced an unchanged squad for the upcoming day-night Test of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 against England. The big headline is that Australia’s regular captain and one of their biggest stars, Pat Cummins, will not play in this match.
Earlier, there were reports that Pat Cummins would be named in the Australian squad for the second Ashes Test, but the star fast bowler’s long-awaited comeback has been pushed again even though he has been working hard and bowling fast in the nets.
Pat Cummins’ return delayed again, Steve Smith will captain Australia in the day-night test.
The Australian selectors confirmed that the same 14 players were part of their eight-wicket victory in the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth. Steve Smith will continue to lead the Australian team in the day-night Test against England starting on December 4 at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Also Read: WPL 2026 dates officially announced, World Cup finals venues to be inaugurated
Usman Khawaja has been included in the Australian squad despite back spasms which kept him from batting in the second innings in the first Ashes match in Perth.
When the team reaches Brisbane, Khawaja will be tested again to see if he is fit enough to play in the second Ashes Test.
Pat Cummins missed the first Test due to a back injury and has now been given two weeks to recover completely.
Even though Pat Cummins bowled at blistering pace for more than an hour with the pink ball at the SCG on Friday and had another long session at Cricket Central earlier in the week, the team has decided it is still too risky to bring him back.
Brendan Doggett to retain his place in Australia’s XI for the second Ashes Test
The star pacer also trained with the Test team ahead of the Perth match, but Australia clearly want to avoid the possibility of any setbacks. Brendon Doggett is set to play again with Pat Cummins rested for the day-night Test.
The Queensland fast bowler made a dream debut in Perth, taking five wickets in Perth. Now, Doggett is expected to retain his place for the Gabba Test in front of his home crowd.
If all goes well, Pat Cummins is likely to return for the third Ashes Test starting in Adelaide from December 17.
Josh Hazlewood is also working towards a comeback. He has looked more comfortable bowling with the red ball this week, but Australia believe he will only be ready later in the series.
Hazlewood missed the first Test due to a hamstring injury sustained while playing for New South Wales (NSW) in the Sheffield Shield.
Usman Khawaja doubtful to play in day-night test
Well, if Khawaja doesn’t recover in time, or if the team wants to try a new opening combination based on Head’s explosive performances, Australia could consider bringing in either Josh Inglis or Beau Webster.
Also read: BCCI arrests Indian cricket stakeholder from Guwahati after South Africa series defeat
Notably, the Australian team landed in Brisbane on Thursday, but their entire first-choice playing XI decided not to take part in any pink ball practice matches.
Only their unused squad members, including Jacob Bethel, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue, will play against the Prime Minister’s XI this weekend.
Instead, the main England team will train at the Gabba for the first time on Sunday. They will also have a special session under lights on Monday to adjust to pink ball conditions before the match.
Australia’s team for the second test against England:
Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendon Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.