Australia have named an unchanged squad for the day-night second Ashes Test at the Gabba, leaving captain Pat Cummins out for at least one more match as he continues recovering from a back injury.
Cummins, who missed the first Test in Perth, is in the final stages of rehabilitation from lumbar stress and will travel with the squad but not be considered for selection. Veteran opener Usman Khawaja has retained his place after suffering back spasms in Perth, though he must prove his fitness when the squad assembles in Brisbane.
With Cummins still unavailable, Queensland quick Brendan Doggett is set to keep his spot after an impressive five-wicket debut in the opening Test. Josh Hazlewood also continues to push for a late-series return as he works his way back from a hamstring strain.
Travis Head’s explosive 69-ball century in Perth has sparked discussion over Australia’s top-order structure, but selectors have opted for stability heading into Brisbane. If Khawaja is not cleared, Josh Inglis or Beau Webster could receive a call-up.
Meanwhile, England have arrived in Brisbane and will begin preparations with training sessions on Sunday and Monday under lights, opting not to schedule a pink-ball warm-up for their main XI.
Australia squad (second Test only): 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
England squad: Ben Stokes (C), Harry Brook (VC), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (WK), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood
Men’s Ashes 2025-26:
- First Test: Australia won by 8 wickets
- Second Test: December 4-8, The Gabba, Brisbane (D/N), 09:30 AM SLST
- Third Test: December 17-21: Adelaide Oval, 05:30 AM SLST
- Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne, 05:00 AM SLST
- Fifth Test: January 4-8: SCG, Sydney, 05:00 AM SLST
