The Ashes 2025-26: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood ruled out as Australia announce squad for second test against England

Australia lead the Ashes 2025-26 by a margin of 1-0.

Australia have named an unchanged squad for the second Ashes 2025-26 test in Brisbane, starting on December 4. The Aussie skipper Pat Cummins will miss out on action as he continues on his road to recovery. The 32-year-old has started bowling in the nets, but the selectors have opted to give him more time to find his rhythm and fitness.

Apart from Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood also has been ruled out of the second match. This comes as massive blow for the hosts as they will be without their top pacers for the second consecutive test of the series.

Australia thumped England in the first test in Perth in what was a rapid game, which ended in two days. The Kangaroos will take the field at the Gabba to extend their lead in the series to a comfortable 2-0. The same squad has been entrusted with the job of handing another defeat to the visitors.

Usman Khawaja declared fit for the second Ashes 2025-26 test

Travis Head single-handedly crushed England’s hopes of registering a lead in the series in Brisbane with his 123-run masterclass off just 83 balls in the second innings, and he did that while opening the innings. Usman Khawaja’s back spasms left the Aussies with no option but to promote Head to the opening slot.

Following Travis Head’s blitzkrieg, and Khawaja’s injury, it was believed that the team might continue with Head as an opener in Gabba test. But Khawaja’s inclusion in the squad hints that he is fit and team management has faith in his abilities. The 38-year-old left-hander was in sublime touch coming into the first test on the back of an 87-run knock for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales.

Also Read: The Ashes 2025-26: ICC rates Perth pitch “very good” despite a two-day finish

Australia likely to make changes to their XI for second test against England

The Pink Ball test in Brisbane, Gabba will present different conditions for both teams, prompting Australia to make some changes to the playing XI. Beau Webster can make his entry into the XI in place of Nathan Lyon. The last time Australia played a Pink Ball test, they went with four seam options and a fast-bowling all-rounder in Webster.

Beau Webster’s inclusion will also provide the hosts with more depth in batting. The all-rounder picked up eight wickets in his last first-class game against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. Meanwhile, the pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett will continue to trouble England.

Australia’s squad for Gabba test

Steve Smith (c), 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

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.