Australia have decided not to make any changes to their squad for the second Test of the Ashes series, starting December 4 at the Gabba in Brisbane.
After crushing England by eight wickets in Perth, the hosts have backed the same group of players who delivered a result inside two days and now lead the series 1-0. Mitchell Starc was the star with the ball, taking 10 wickets in the match, while Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett provided solid support. Travis Head stole the show and ‘bazballed’ England with a stunning 123 off 83 balls in the chase that sealed the game in under 30 overs.
Usman Khawaja, who battled back spasms throughout the Perth Test and scored only one run, remains in the squad. He could not open either innings, forcing Marnus Labuschagne and later Travis Head to fill in. Head’s explosive century has now given birth to the debate over whether he should be promoted permanently, but for now, Australia are sticking with Khawaja.
Cummins and Hazlewood ruled out again
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are still unavailable as both continue to recover from injuries. Cummins bowled in training this week and will travel with the squad to Brisbane to continue building workload, but the expectation is that he may only return by the third Test in Adelaide. Hazlewood is also working his way back from a hamstring issue and remains a long shot for the early part of the series.
There are also quiet questions about Nathan Lyon, who bowled only two overs in Perth, while all-rounder Beau Webster remains a possible middle-order option if Australia decide to reshuffle. For now, though, Steve Smith will continue leading a side that looks settled and confident heading into Brisbane.
Australia Squad for 2nd Ashes Test in Brisbane
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
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