Australia’s Key Players Spotlighted for Brisbane’s Crucial Second Test

Australia’s captain, Steve Smith, has not ruled out the possibility of a surprising comeback for fast bowler Pat Cummins in the second Ashes Test against England. He is also endorsing middle-order player Josh Inglis to make an impact if the selectors decide to pick him.

Cummins, who usually leads the team, missed Australia’s eight-wicket victory in Perth due to a back injury and was initially excluded from the squad for the second Test. However, Smith noted that Cummins looked fit during practice and might be considered for the upcoming day-night Test with the pink ball.

“He seems in great shape from what I’ve seen in the nets,” Smith mentioned to reporters in Brisbane, where the second Test will commence at the Gabba on Thursday. “The game’s intensity is obviously different, but he’s progressing well and understands his body. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Smith also refrained from confirming Nathan Lyon’s spot in the playing XI, though the selectors could retain the specialist spinner and drop Brendan Doggett, who has only played one Test, to make space for Cummins.

With Usman Khawaja sidelined by a back injury, Travis Head is set to open the batting order in the day-night Test. Head had impressed as a makeshift opener in Perth, scoring a match-winning 123 from 83 balls in the second innings.

Smith expressed admiration for Khawaja, who turns 39 this month, describing him as a “quality player,” but did not speculate on his potential return to the Test XI. “It’s not up to me to decide that,” Smith added.

Additionally, there are reports in the local media suggesting that England-born wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis might fill Head’s spot in the middle order for his debut Test on home soil. But Smith indicated that the team would evaluate the Gabba pitch during training and might delay the announcement of the final XI until Thursday.

Inglis, who scored a century on his debut against Sri Lanka in Galle in January, would be making his fourth Test appearance against Ben Stokes’s England. “He’s a dynamic batsman and performed excellently in his debut in Sri Lanka,” Smith noted of Inglis. “He’s been in really good form and handles fast bowling well, so if given a chance, I’m confident he’ll excel.”

Australia has a strong record of winning 12 out of the 13 pink ball Tests it has hosted, with the only defeat occurring against the West Indies at the Gabba in January 2024. The day-night Tests feature a pink ball instead of the traditional red one for better visibility under lights.

While batting during the twilight and evening sessions can be challenging due to the pink ball’s tendency to swing more, Smith believes Brisbane’s typically hard wicket might offer more favorable conditions compared to the spongier surface at Adelaide Oval, the usual venue for day-night Tests.

“Sometimes the ball softens, allowing batters to find their rhythm,” Smith said. “This is something we need to consider as we approach the match.”

Australia is leading the five-Test series 1-0 following their quick win in Perth.

Published on December 3, 2025.