Pat Cummins ruled out of second Ashes Test:Australia announce unchanged 14-member squad, Khawaja to undergo a fitness test

Australia announced their squad on Friday (November 28) for the second Test of the Ashes series. Regular captain Pat Cummins has not fully recovered from his injury, so he will be out of the Brisbane Test as well, following Perth. However, he will travel with the team. Opener Usman Khawaja has also been included in the squad, but his final availability will depend on a fitness test. Also Read | ICC rates Perth pitch used for Ashes opener ‘very good’ Cummins bowled at the SCG, but selectors did not take a risk Cummins bowled to Steve Smith with a pink ball for over an hour at the SCG on Friday. He had similar training on Tuesday (December 2) as well. Despite his rehab progressing, the medical staff has given him two more weeks. According to team management, Cummins’ return is possible in the third Test (December 17, Adelaide). Josh Hazlewood was also seen training with him. Hazlewood was out of the first Test because he sustained a hamstring injury during the Sheffield Shield. Brendan Doggett retained in the team, Khawaja’s status to be clear on Sunday Queensland fast bowler Brendan Doggett might get a chance to play the second Test in place of Cummins. He made an impressive debut in Perth, taking 5 wickets.
Usman Khawaja did not have to open in both innings in Perth due to back spasms. The team will gather in Brisbane on Sunday, where Khawaja’s fitness will be assessed. Travis Head had opened in his place in the first Test and scored the second-fastest century in Ashes history. Australia wins first Test in two days In the first Test played in Perth, Australia defeated England by 8 wickets. They achieved the target of 205 runs in just 28.2 overs. This Test was completed in two days and became the shortest Ashes Test since 1888. Also Read | Australia win first Ashes Test on second day vs England ICC gave the Perth pitch a ‘Very Good’ rating. Match referee Ranjan Madugalle stated in the report that the ball was coming onto the bat well on the pitch and there was a balance for both batsmen and bowlers. Australia Squad – Second Test (Brisbane) Steve Smith (Captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendon Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jack Weatherald, Beau Webster.