Australia will be without captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for the second Ashes Test as both remain sidelined through injury.
Although Cummins missed the two-day victory in Perth with a lingering back problem, he reportedly showed promising signs in training – delivering brisk spells in the nets – but it wasn’t enough to secure a return.
Instead, Cricket Australia confirmed an unchanged squad for Brisbane, with Steve Smith continuing as stand-in captain and opener Usman Khawaja retained.
Cummins blow despite Starc form
No reason was given for Cummins’ omission, with a short statement simply noting that he will travel with the squad to Brisbane in order to continue his recovery.
Although Australia managed comfortably without the 32-year-old in the opening Test, his continued absence can only benefit England.
And with Hazlewood still sidelined, bowlers Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland are once again set to support Perth player of the match Mitchell Starc.
“It’s coming along slowly,” Hazlewood explained to the media regarding his own injury on Friday.
“I just started the other day. Running and everything’s going well.
“It’s probably tough to put a timeline on it. I think Ron [head coach Andrew McDonald] probably nailed it the other day – play a part in the back end, hopefully.
“Hopefully, it’s not still in the balance. Hopefully, we’re on top by then.”
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Khawaja keeps spot for now
Despite being hampered by back spasms in Perth that forced Travis Head to step up and deliver a decisive fourth-innings opening performance, Khawaja has kept his spot in the side.
“I should be right,” Khawaja told reporters ahead of the Brisbane Test.
“I’ve never had back spasms before, so it’s been quite new for me.
“I’ve been quite lucky. I’m 39 years old [in December] and have always had a pretty solid back.
“Rachel, my wife, has been taking care of me. She’s been letting me sleep in a fair bit actually – I’ve really been taking advantage of it.”
Whether Khawaja keeps his place in the Australia XI beyond Brisbane is uncertain given the good form of batter Josh Inglis and all-rounder Beau Webster.
Australia squad for second Test
Steve Smith (captain), 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.
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