Australia Stands Pat: Unchanged Squad for Gabba Showdown
The pressure is mounting at the Gabba, but Australia has chosen a path of continuity over change. In a decision that sends a message of confidence to its current players, Australia Ashes squad for the second Test against England remains exactly the same as the one that secured a hard-fought win in Perth. This means the nation’s two premier fast bowlers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, will be watching from the sidelines once again.
Table of Contents
- A Show of Stability: No Cummins or Hazlewood
- The Captain: Cummins Targets Adelaide Return
- Hazlewood’s Conservative Recovery Path
- Khawaja’s Fitness: A Looming Question
- Who Carries the Pace Attack?
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
A Show of Stability: No Cummins or Hazlewood
Selectors have opted against any knee-jerk reactions, sticking with the 14 players who delivered in the series opener. This unwavering faith is a huge vote of confidence for the likes of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and debutant Brendan Doggett, who formed a resilient, if not entirely dominant, pace trio in Perth .
While the door is always open for a late fitness miracle, the official stance is clear: both Cummins and Hazlewood are not ready for the intense battle at the Gabba. Their absence leaves a significant void in Australia’s new-ball attack, a luxury they can ill afford against a determined English top order .
The Captain: Cummins Targets Adelaide Return
For captain Pat Cummins, the wait continues. He’s been managing a persistent lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back, which has kept him out of competitive cricket since July . Although he’s been an active presence with the squad in Perth and is now in Brisbane, his role remains that of a leader from the boundary rope.
Reports confirm that Cummins is on track with his recovery and is specifically targeting a return for the third Test in Adelaide . This strategic, patient approach suggests Cricket Australia and Cummins himself are prioritizing his long-term health and effectiveness over a potentially rushed and ineffective comeback at the Gabba.
Hazlewood’s Conservative Recovery Path
Josh Hazlewood’s situation is equally frustrating for Australian fans. Sidelined by a right hamstring injury sustained during a Sheffield Shield match, his recovery has been described as “conservative” by team management . Unlike Cummins, who has a clearer path to a December return, Hazlewood’s timeline is murkier.
The veteran pacer has expressed hope of featuring in the “back end” of the Ashes series, indicating he is a long shot for not just the Gabba, but possibly the Adelaide Test as well . His absence is a major blow, as his ability to bowl long, accurate spells is a cornerstone of Australia’s traditional Test match strategy.
Khawaja’s Fitness: A Looming Question
While the pace attack is the main headline, there’s a secondary fitness cloud hanging over veteran opener Usman Khawaja . He was troubled by back spasms during the Perth Test, which prevented him from opening the batting in the second innings .
Despite this, Khawaja is confident of being fit for the Gabba and has retained his place in the Australia Ashes squad. The selectors appear to be taking him at his word, though his preparation has been a topic of public discussion. Barring a last-minute setback, he is expected to partner Jake Weatherall at the top of the order, a partnership that will be under immense scrutiny from the very first ball .
Who Carries the Pace Attack?
With the two leaders of the attack out, the onus falls squarely on the shoulders of the remaining quicks. Here’s what the attack likely looks like for the Gabba:
| Bowler | Role | Perth Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | Lead Seamer | 10 wickets, 113 runs |
| Scott Boland | First-change, Line & Length | 3 wickets, 61 runs |
| Brendan Doggett | Raw Pace, Aggression | 2 wickets, 71 runs |
Mitchell Starc, in particular, will be the focal point. His 10-wicket haul in Perth was a vintage performance and a timely reminder of his match-winning ability . Scott Boland will be relied upon to tie down an end with his metronomic accuracy, while the young Brendan Doggett will look to bring the heat with his raw pace .
Reserve options like Lance Morris and Michael Neser are on standby, but with the squad unchanged, they remain in the wings unless a fresh injury strikes .
Final Thoughts
Australia’s decision to name an unchanged squad is a masterclass in backing your current players. It shows immense faith in Starc, Boland, and Doggett to repeat, or even improve upon, their Perth efforts. The absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood is a significant handicap, but one the team believes it can manage for one more Test. With Cummins eyeing an Adelaide return and Hazlewood’s comeback still a distant hope, the Gabba Test is a crucial opportunity for the current attack to cement their place in the side and put England on the back foot in the series. All eyes will be on whether this stable Australia Ashes squad can deliver under the Brisbane sun.