Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of the second Test of the ongoing Ashes 2025–26 series, with both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out once again. Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday (November 28) that the selectors have retained an unchanged squad for the pink-ball Test against England, scheduled from December 4 to 8 at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Although Cummins will travel with the team to continue his preparation, the Australian captain is not yet ready for a return to competitive cricket.In his absence, Steve Smith will continue to lead the side, just as he did during the dominant victory in Perth. The squad also features Usman Khawaja, who did not bat in the second innings of the series opener after experiencing back spasms.
According to reports on cricket.com.au, the southpaw will have to prove his fitness before the team finalises its playing XI on Sunday in Brisbane. One of the interesting decisions Australia face is the batting order. Travis Head, who smashed a breathtaking 69-ball century in Perth, opened the innings in the second dig and looked in sublime touch.
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Travis Head himself has stated he is “comfortable” batting anywhere, but his role will depend heavily on Khawaja’s availability. Should Khawaja fail to recover in time, Head may be called upon to open once more, giving selectors room to slot in Josh Inglis or Beau Webster as a middle-order option.
No return for #PatCummins, Josh Hazlewood as #Australia name unchanged squad for day-night Ashes Testhttps://t.co/sZvO6yuLQc
— News9 (@News9Tweets) November 28, 2025
Australia’s squad for the second Ashes Test includes: Steve Smith (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (WK), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, and Beau Webster.
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The Baggy Greens enter Brisbane full of confidence after sealing the first Test inside two days at Optus Stadium. Mitchell Starc delivered one of the finest performances of his career, claiming 10 wickets in Cummins’ absence to dismantle England’s batting. Scott Boland chipped in with four wickets, while debutant Brendan Doggett impressed with a five-wicket match haul.
For England, captain Ben Stokes was the lone bright spot, picking up a five-wicket haul in the first innings. However, the visitors had no answers to Australia’s batting firepower, particularly Head’s counterattacking brilliance.
