England have been handed a second chance to strike back in the Ashes series after Australia confirmed an unchanged squad for the upcoming day-night Test in Brisbane, with captain Pat Cummins still deemed unfit to return.
Unchanged Squad Presents Familiar Challenge
The opportunity that England squandered in Perth during the first Test has presented itself once more. Despite a comprehensive eight-wicket defeat, one of the most frustrating aspects for the tourists was the absence of two of Australia's premier fast bowlers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
That situation remains unchanged as Ben Stokes leads his team into the crucial second Test at the Gabba, starting on 4 December. With the series on the line, England must find a way to level the contest against a side still missing its key weapons.
Cummins and Hazlewood Recovery Timeline
Cricket Australia has opted for a cautious approach with its skipper. While Pat Cummins has returned to training, even bowling with the pink Kookaburra ball used in day-night matches, the decision has been made to hold him back. The 32-year-old is recovering from a lower back stress injury detected after July's Test series in the Caribbean.
No specific timeline was given, but it was confirmed that Cummins will travel with the squad to Brisbane. Similarly, Josh Hazlewood, who missed the Perth match with a hamstring strain, was seen training in Sydney but is reportedly not yet bowling at full pace. His return also remains on hold.
Selection Headaches and Batting Conundrums
While the 14-man squad is unchanged, the Australian leadership, once again led by Steve Smith in Cummins's absence, faces significant decisions regarding the final playing XI.
Opener Usman Khawaja, who was hampered by back spasms in Perth, retains his place in the squad. However, his position is under serious scrutiny after Travis Head's blistering 69-ball century in the second innings sealed the first Test victory. There are growing calls for Head to be promoted to the top of the order, a role he performs in one-day cricket.
Such a move would open a middle-order spot for either the in-form Josh Inglis or all-rounder Beau Webster. For the 39-year-old Khawaja, this could signal the beginning of the end of his international career.
With a victory in Brisbane, Australia would move within touching distance of retaining the Ashes urn, putting immense pressure on an England side that must regroup quickly. The tourists plan extra training sessions as they seek a response to their howling first Test defeat.
