Australia will head into the second Ashes Test at the Gabba without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood after both fast bowlers failed to make a recovery in time. They practiced in Sydney for that week, but the medical staff failed to clear them for the Day-Night Test beginning on December 4th. Steve Smith will continue to lead the team in Cummins absence, just like he did in Perth.
Cummins will continue to travel with the squad to Brisbane and conduct his fitness work there. The rest of the team is the same after the win in the first Test.
Usman Khawaja also has been retained despite his back injury. He struggled in Perth and failed to bat in the second innings after hurting himself while trying to make a catch. His fitness will be tested once again ahead of the match. Travis Head who replaced him at the top, in the last innings, and smashed a brilliant 123 off of 83 balls, may again be under consideration for the opening role, if Khawaja is not fully fit. This could clear the path for all-rounder Beau Webster to come in the middle order.
Australia’s bowling attack will once again rely heavily on Mitchell Starc, as well as Scott Boland and Michael Neser, who know the conditions well. The pink ball is supposed to provide swing under lights, which made the Gabba a tough venue for both the teams.
Australia lead series 1-0 after their strong win in Perth. The squad will gather in Brisbane on November 30 as they seek to build on their lead in the best of five series.
