Australia’s cricket team captain, Pat Cummins, is expected to miss the upcoming second Ashes Test match as Australia announced an unchanged 14-player squad for the day-night game in Brisbane. Cummins had been sidelined in the previous match at Perth Stadium due to a persistent back issue, but had shown progress in training sessions before the game. Despite additional fitness work and a practice session with stand-in captain Steve Smith in Sydney, Cummins was left out of the squad without an official reason provided.

Although Cummins might still join the squad in Brisbane, it is considered unlikely given the initial decision to exclude him. His absence, along with Josh Hazlewood out again, puts more responsibility on Mitchell Starc, who excelled in the previous match with a ten-wicket haul. Starc, known for his performance in day-night fixtures, is a key player for Australia. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja, despite struggling with back spasms in the first Test, remains in the squad, with uncertainties about his playing XI spot.

The Australia squad for the second Ashes Test against England includes 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, and Beau Webster.

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