Ashes Second Test: Cummins, Hazlewood Not Returning for Brisbane

Despite the growing intensity of the Ashes, Australia’s two star pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood remain unavailable for a return to the squad. Ahead of the second Test in Brisbane, Cricket Australia (CA) on Friday announced a 14-member squad—unchanged from the team that played the Perth Test.

Australian captain Cummins has been ruled out again as he has not fully recovered from his back injury. Although he has increased his training load, he is still not at full match fitness. According to British daily The Guardian, Cummins has traveled to Brisbane to be with the team despite missing the Perth Test, and even bowled for nearly an hour to stand-in captain Steve Smith. The team management expects him to return ahead of the third Test, scheduled to begin on 17 December in Adelaide.

Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood, who was sidelined from the first Test due to a hamstring injury, has also failed to make a return for the second Test. With his rehabilitation still in progress, the board has kept him out of the squad.

Usman Khawaja has been retained in the squad. Although he could bat in only one innings during the Perth Test due to back pain, the team management has shown confidence in him. In his absence, Travis Head opened the innings and scored a century off 69 balls, playing a key role in Australia’s victory. This sparked discussions about whether Head could continue as an opener in Tests. However, by retaining Khawaja, CA has put those speculations to rest for now.

If Head opens, a middle-order slot could become available—potentially opening the door for Beau Webster or wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis. The second Test of the series—a pink-ball day-night match—is set to begin on 4 December in Brisbane.

Australia Squad:

Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Beau Webster, Michael Neser, Josh Inglis.