Australia has announced an unchanged lineup for the second Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series, which begins on December 4 at Brisbane’s historic Gabba. The hosts presently lead the five-match series 1-0 after a commanding eight-wicket victory against England in the first Test in Perth.
Mitchell Starc, who led Australia’s bowling attack, demonstrated his talent with a magnificent 10-wicket haul. Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett both backed him up, with the latter preferring him to Michael Neser in the series opener.
Travis Head batted brilliantly, blasting 123 off 83 balls in the second innings to help the team reach the mark in less than 30 overs. Australia had planned to open with Jake Weatherald and Usman Khawaja, but the opener was pushed down the order because he had not spent enough time on the pitch to bat in his regular position.
The 38-year-old suffered back spasms on both days of the Test, forcing Marnus Labuschagne to open in the first innings, while Head, who hammered a match-winning century during the chase, took over in the second. After winning in less than two days, the hosts decided to stick with the same lineup for the next encounter.
What is the status on Pat Cummins’ injury?
Pat Cummins has not been included in the squad for Brisbane. He underwent an extensive training session at the SCG on November 28, bowling to stand-in captain Steven Smith, and will travel with the team to continue his preparation. He is scheduled to bowl again on December 1, and while selectors could still add him later, the more likely scenario is a return for the third Test in Adelaide, giving him additional recovery time.
There are also questions surrounding Nathan Lyon’s role, as he bowled only two overs in Perth and did not feature in Australia’s most recent pink-ball Test in Jamaica. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, bowling lightly on Friday and remaining an outside chance to feature later in the series. Australia will assemble in Brisbane on Sunday ahead of the second Test.
Australia squad for 2nd Test vs England:
Steve Smith (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (WK), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
India
