No return for Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood as Australia name unchanged squad for day-night Ashes Test

New Delhi: Cricket Australia (CA) announced an unchanged squad for the upcoming Day-Night Test of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 against England on Friday. Skipper Pat Cummins, who was expected to make a comeback, was ruled out of the second Ashes Test as the hosts announced a strong 14-member squad for Brisbane Test.

In the absence of Cummins, stand-in skipper Steve Smith led Australia to a eight wicket victory in the first Test match in Perth which was completed within two days as the hosts took 1-0 lead in the five-game series. The second Test is scheduled to start from December 4.

Cummins though will travel to Brisbane to continue his return as he is likely to get fit and participate in the third Test match in Adelaide from December 17. The Australian pacer was seen in a rigorous training session at the SCG on Friday while he was bowling to Smith.

With Cummins being rule out, Brendan Doggett, who bagged five wickets in Perth, is likely to share paced duties with Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Josh Hazlewood, who is also nursing an injury (hamstring), has already been ruled out.

Meanwhile, left-handed Australian opener Usman Khawaja, who suffered back spasms in the opening Test, will retain his place in the squad but with the condition of proving his fitness in the second Test. All-rounder Beau Webster and back-up batter Josh Inglis are the other options if Khawaja misses out.

Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster.