Australia’s Strategic Shift: Ashes Test Without Cummins and Hazlewood

Pat Cummins, the captain, has not been included in Australia’s squad for the second day-night Ashes Test against England in Brisbane, which is scheduled to start on December 4. Cummins, who is recovering from a lower back injury, will travel to Brisbane to continue his preparations, according to Cricket Australia on Friday.

Cummins missed the first Test in Perth, which Australia won convincingly by eight wickets within two days. However, he has been bowling at full speed in the nets recently as he regains fitness.

Another key pace bowler, Josh Hazlewood, is also absent from the squad as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

The Australian team remains unchanged with 14 members and will be led by Steve Smith. Usman Khawaja, the opener under pressure, retains his spot in the lineup.

England arrived in Brisbane on Thursday, deciding against using their first Test XI for the pink-ball practice match. Instead, only squad members who haven’t played, like Jacob Bethell, Matthew Potts, and Josh Tongue, will participate in a match against a Prime Minister’s XI team this weekend.

Australia Squad:
Steve Smith (capt), 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

Published on November 28, 2025.