The Australian team is playing a 5-match Ashes Test series against England at home, and they have started it brilliantly. In the first Test played at Perth Stadium, hosts Australia defeated England by 8 wickets within just 2 days, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Sports News: The Australian cricket team has announced its squad for the second match of the Ashes 2025-26 series. This Test match will be played with a pink ball from December 4th at The Gabba in Brisbane. In the first Test in Perth, Australia had defeated England by 8 wickets in just two days, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.
In the Perth Test, the Australian team played without two of its key players, captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Both players were unable to play due to fitness issues. Now, ahead of the Gabba Test, the Australian team has not made any major changes to the squad, which confirms Pat Cummins' absence from the Brisbane Test as well.
Pat Cummins Ruled Out of Gabba Test
Cricket Australia clarified that Pat Cummins is not yet fully fit. He has been given an additional two weeks to regain his full fitness. This confirms that Steve Smith will captain the team in the Gabba Test. Furthermore, opening batsman Usman Khawaja, who experienced a back strain in the Perth Test, has also been retained in the squad. In Cummins' absence, the Australian team will rely on Mitchell Starc and Brendon Doggett for bowling duties.
Australian Squad for Gabba Test
Steve Smith (Captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendon Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
Pat Cummins has been continuously preparing in the nets to regain his fitness for some time now. With an additional two weeks now granted, it is hoped that he will make a return to the team for the Adelaide Test.
