Australia reveal 14-player squad for second Ashes Test: Pat Cummins sidelined again

Australia has announced its unchanged 14-player squad for the second Ashes Test against England at the Gabba, set for December 4-8. Pat Cummins and fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood will miss the match.

Cummins will miss the second Test as well, after missing the first one due to back injury. Image | ICC

Australia has announced an unchanged 14-player squad for the eagerly awaited second Ashes Test against England, scheduled to take place from December 4 to 8 at the Gabba in Brisbane. The biggest news is the continued absence of Australia’s captain and spearhead fast bowler Pat Cummins, who will miss his second successive Test due to a back injury.

How to watch Ashes 2025?

Cricket fans in India can watch the second Ashes Test 2025 online on SonyLIV, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

Cummins to miss the second Test as well

Cummins missed the opening Test because of a back injury but had left a lasting impact with a sensational six-wicket haul during the World Test Championship final this year.

However, the Australian selectors have exercised caution and decided not to rush him back into the lineup for the day-night Test under lights at the Gabba. His absence is a significant blow for the Aussies, who rely heavily on Cummins’ wicket-taking ability and leadership on the field.

Read Also: India vs South Africa: Results of every bilateral ODI series.

Hazlewood is ruled out too

Joining Cummins on the sidelines is fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood, still recuperating from a hamstring injury and ruled out of the second Test squad as well.

To fill the void in the pace department, Brendan Doggett, who impressed on debut in Perth, is expected to retain his spot. Alongside him, the squad features experienced left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, along with Scott Boland and Michael Neser as key pace options.

The batting lineup remains stable with Usman Khawaja keeping his place despite a modest performance in the opener. The experienced opener will undergo fitness assessments following back spasms suffered during the Perth Test.

Should Khawaja be ruled out, all-rounder Beau Webster and backup batsman Josh Inglis are poised to step in as substitutes. The rest of the batting order is packed with seasoned campaigners, including former captain Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, and Jake Weatherald.

Read Also: 1st Test, Ashes 2025-26: Travis Head's blazing 69-ball ton hands Australia 8-wicket victory within two days

Australia’s squad for the 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.

Ashes 2025 schedule

After their commanding performance in Perth, Australia will be looking to maintain their winning momentum in the series. The Gabba has historically been a fortress for Australia, giving them an edge as they face an England side eager to bounce back.

The Ashes 2023-24 series schedule:

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