Australian captain Pat Cummins is poised to return to the squad for the second Test in Brisbane, having recovered from a back stress injury. Cummins will return for the day-night Test at the Gabba on December 4, after missing the initial Test in Perth, where Australia won decisively.
Pat Cummins had been rehabilitating from an injury since September, when a bone stress flare-up in his back threatened to sideline him for the entire Ashes series.
Initially, selectors and medical personnel were concerned about his participation, but the fast bowler has made an amazing comeback. He recently bowled at full intensity in Perth and has continued with high-quality practices at Cricket NSW headquarters, including a vigorous workout with the pink ball.
Coach Andrew McDonald had revealed that, while several boxes had been checked in Cummins’ rehabilitation, the final decision will be made closer to game day to ensure the captain was not hurried back too soon.
“I know that he’ll be available at some point during the series. We’ve got a little bit of that early rehab to go through to formulate where he may plug into the series, but we expect him to take some part in the series,” he said.
Usman Khawaja to remain part of the squad
The pacer’s return is expected to be the only major change in an otherwise unchanged 15-member squad from the Perth victory. Josh Hazlewood also trained during the week, but his hamstring injury is likely to rule him out of the Brisbane Test, pushing his comeback to Adelaide.
Debutant Brendan Doggett, who impressed with match figures of 5/78 in Perth, understands he may be the one to make way if Cummins is cleared. Despite limited pink-ball experience, Doggett bowled well in his first Test and consistently troubled England with both length and short-pitched bowling.
The batting order is another area under close watch. Usman Khawaja, dealing with back spasms, is expected to remain part of the squad, though his spot in the XI is less certain. Travis Head’s historic 69-ball century in the fourth innings at Perth has triggered debate over whether he should continue opening, or whether Khawaja should return to his usual role at his home ground. Meanwhile, several bowlers remain under consideration for selection later in the series. The options include Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, and Xavier Bartlett.
India
