Australia have confirmed their Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba for the day-night Test against England, choosing to stick with the same group that played in Perth. Despite fitness concerns for a few players, the selectors have kept the lineup unchanged. Here’s a full look at what’s happening ahead of the second Test.
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Pat Cummins Still Out of the Playing XI
Pat Cummins has not been included in the Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba, even after completing a long training session at the SCG where he bowled to stand-in captain Steven Smith. He will travel with the team to Brisbane but is more likely to return for the third Test in Adelaide, giving him two extra weeks to get fully ready.
Cummins had earlier mentioned giving himself “half a chance” to play in Brisbane and has been practicing with the pink ball since returning to Sydney. However, the selectors are not rushing him into the Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba for the second Test.
Brendan Doggett, who claimed five wickets in Perth, is expected to keep his spot in the Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba, joining Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland as the main fast bowlers. Doggett said he was focused on controlling what he could and improving in each session, ready to perform if selected again.
Josh Hazlewood continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. He was never a chance for the Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba, but he bowled lightly on Friday, keeping the door open for a later return in the series.
Spin options remain under discussion. Nathan Lyon only bowled two overs in Perth and missed Australia’s last pink-ball Test in Jamaica, leaving some uncertainty in the Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba. Beau Webster or Michael Neser could be considered to strengthen the batting or provide all-round options.
Usman Khawaja Retains Place Despite Back Spasms
Opener Usman Khawaja has kept his spot in the Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba, despite suffering back spasms in Perth that prevented him from opening the batting in either innings. His fitness will be monitored closely before the match.
Khawaja’s absence in Perth allowed Travis Head to open in the second innings, where he scored 123 off 83 balls, sparking debate about a permanent opening move. For now, Khawaja is likely to resume his position if fully fit, but selectors could turn to Josh Inglis or Beau Webster in the Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba if adjustments are needed.
The rest of the Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba remains unchanged, led by Steve Smith and featuring key players like Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Jake Weatherald, and Beau Webster.
Australia will regroup in Brisbane on Sunday to prepare for another tough battle under lights, with the Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba ready to face England in what promises to be an exciting day-night Test.
The Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba shows the selectors’ faith in consistency while keeping a close eye on fitness issues. With Cummins out, Khawaja monitored, and Lyon’s role in question, the squad balances experience with the potential to adapt to any match situation.
Fans will be keen to see how the Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba performs under the Gabba lights, especially after the strong displays from Perth. Doggett’s five-wicket haul and Head’s explosive innings could play a key role in deciding the outcome of the second Test.
The Australia 14-Man Squad Gabba is officially set, with players arriving in Brisbane over the weekend to finalize preparations ahead of the big clash with England.
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