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Cricket Australia (CA) has announced their 14-man squad for the upcoming second Ashes Test against England, set to take place at the Gabba in Brisbane. The announcement confirms that key fast bowlers, captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, remain sidelined as they continue their respective recoveries.
Why Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will miss the Gabba Test?
Regular skipper Pat Cummins has not been risked for the Gabba fixture as he recovers from a lower-back stress injury. Although he participated in extensive pink-ball bowling sessions in Sydney, selectors decided against rushing his return. Team management is maintaining a cautious approach, with hopes high that Cummins will be fit to lead the side in the third Test, scheduled for Adelaide.
Fellow frontline quick Josh Hazlewood also misses out on the Brisbane Test. Hazlewood is working his way back to full fitness after sustaining a hamstring strain. The selectors have prioritized his complete recovery, opting against bringing either of their premier pacemen back into the fray prematurely.
Who will lead Australia’s pace attack?
With both Cummins and Hazlewood unavailable, interim captain Steve Smith is expected to retain the same successful bowling lineup that secured the victory in Perth. The pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett will likely spearhead the attack, supported by veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. Doggett, who impressed selectors during his first Test outing, is set to continue.
Usman Khawaja and Travis Head’s roles at the Gabba
Despite recently suffering back spasms in the Perth Test, Usman Khawaja retains his spot in the squad. His fitness will be key, as he is expected to solidify the top order.
While Travis Head’s blistering performance as a makeshift opener in Perth sparked discussion, he remains a confirmed member of the middle-order, contingent on Khawaja’s fitness. The squad maintains bench strength with Josh Inglis, Michael Neser and Beau Webster available as cover, though they are only likely to feature should any late fitness concerns arise.
Australia’s 14-man squad for the 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.
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