Anticipation Builds: Cummins Eyeing Brisbane Comeback as Khawaja’s Gabba Spot Remains Uncertain

Australia’s coach Andrew McDonald is optimistic about captain Pat Cummins’ chances of participating in the second Ashes Test and believes it is highly unlikely that fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will be unavailable for the entire series.

Cummins, on Saturday, assessed his chances of playing the day-night match against England in Brisbane starting December 4 as “50-50.” However, McDonald expressed a bit more optimism during a press briefing on Monday in Perth.

McDonald mentioned that the 32-year-old Cummins was originally slated to have a net session on the fourth day of the Perth Test on Monday. However, Australia’s impressive victory in just two days necessitated rescheduling his practice to the following day.

“Unfortunately, things didn’t proceed as we would have hoped on that front with Pat,” McDonald stated. “Once we see him back [in practice], we’ll be able to better assess the situation and determine what his potential return might look like. It’s a conversation we’ll likely be having right up to the beginning of the test.”

Despite some remaining uncertainties, McDonald described the situation as “nearing a positive conclusion.”

Hazlewood, part of Australia’s trusted trio of pace bowlers, missed the first Test due to a hamstring injury and is currently in the initial stages of his rehabilitation program.

“He’s working through the first week of his rehab,” reported McDonald. “Once he makes further progress, we’ll be able to update on his availability. He should be back during this series.”

Mitchell Starc, the third member of the pace unit, delivered impressive match figures of 10 for 113 in the first Test. The contest showcased dominant pace bowling until Travis Head’s exceptional 123 secured victory for Australia.

McDonald also provided an update on opener Usman Khawaja, who experienced back spasms in Perth and returned home for medical evaluation. His participation in Brisbane remains uncertain, even if fit.

“There’s still a lot of information to gather, and the hope is Usman will be available for selection,” McDonald stated. “Back spasms often indicate underlying issues, so thorough examinations are standard procedure.”

Head, having clinched his century as a second-innings opener replacing Khawaja, might be considered for the opening position in future matches.

“It offered us a glimpse into potential future batting order adjustments,” McDonald noted. “In one-day cricket, it’s common to adjust the lineup based on the match situation.”

Moreover, McDonald emphasized the importance of spinner Nathan Lyon in the pink-ball Tests at the Gabba. Despite the propensity for pace bowling dominance, particularly in evening sessions, dropping Lyon was not favored.

“We prefer not to do that,” McDonald stated. “In general, during Australian pink-ball cricket, the middle sessions can be quite neutral, and Nathan has been instrumental in those periods.”

Published on November 24, 2025.