Ashes Australia Drop Pat Cummins for Gabba Test Huge Changes Expected in Playing XI!

🇦🇺🏏 Australia Announce Squad for Second Ashes Test Against England

Australia have officially announced an unchanged 14-member squad for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, Brisbane — a decision that has stirred excitement, debate, and speculation ahead of the much-anticipated day-night encounter. With England desperate to bounce back after their collapse in Perth and Australia looking to tighten their grip on the series, fans and analysts are closely analysing every selection call.

This comprehensive, blog covers everything about the squad, injury updates, selection debates, tactical analysis, player-by-player breakdowns, and what this means for the Ashes moving forward.

⭐ Australia Stick to Stability Ahead of Crucial Gabba Test

The Ashes is not merely a cricket series — it is a rivalry that shapes careers, defines legacies, and electrifies fans worldwide. After a dominant win in Perth where Australia crushed England inside two days, all eyes turned to the selection committee to see how the team would shape up for the second Test.

Instead of introducing new players or experimenting, Australian selectors have opted for continuity, naming the same 14-man squad that took part in the opening match.

Given the injury cloud hovering over Pat Cummins and the uncertainty around Nathan Lyon’s workload, the unchanged squad may seem surprising — but it reflects selectors’ confidence in the group.

📰 Australia’s Squad for the Second Ashes Test vs England

• 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
• Beau Webster

This 14-member unit includes a mix of world-class Test specialists, rising bowling talents, and solid backup options capable of replacing injured players without disrupting team balance.

🔥 Why Australia Announced an Unchanged Squad

The logic behind retaining the same squad is simple:

1. Dominance in the First Test

Australia won the Perth Test by eight wickets, with Starc, Head, and Boland producing match-winning performances. When a side wins convincingly, selectors avoid unnecessary changes.

2. Pat Cummins’ Uncertain Fitness

Pat Cummins, Australia’s premier fast bowler and regular Test captain, is still recovering from a minor injury. Naming an unchanged squad allows selectors to bring him in later without unsettling the group.

3. Nathan Lyon Workload Management

Lyon bowled only two overs in Perth. Selectors want to observe his fitness over the next 48–72 hours before finalizing the XI. Keeping the same squad ensures flexibility.

4. No Need for Panic

England’s batting imploded. Australia doesn’t need radical changes — only tactical adjust­ments.

🤕 Pat Cummins: Will He Return for the Gabba Test?

One of the biggest talking points is whether Pat Cummins will recover in time for the second Test.

✔ Cummins has:

• Completed an extended training session at the SCG
• Bowled to Steve Smith
• Used the pink ball in practice
• Said he had “half a chance” of returning

✔ But selectors remain cautious:

Cummins is expected to travel to Brisbane, but insiders believe the third Test in Adelaide is more realistic for his return. Another two weeks would help him build bowling loads safely.

Final verdict for now:

Pat Cummins is part of the squad but unlikely to play.

This means Steve Smith will continue as stand-in captain for at least one more Test.

💥 Mitchell Starc: Australia’s Spearhead in Cummins’ Absence

Mitchell Starc is coming off one of the best matches of his career:

• 7/58 in the first innings
• 10 wickets in the match
• Player of the Match
• Terrorized England with pace, swing, and reverse swing

Starc’s form is frighteningly good:

2025 Bowling Stats (so far):

39 wickets @ 15.71

Starc’s confidence is sky-high, and on a pink-ball Gabba pitch that naturally helps left-arm pacers, he becomes Australia’s biggest weapon once again.

With Cummins absent, Starc will lead a pace attack also featuring:

• Scott Boland
• Brendan Doggett

🎯 Brendan Doggett: The Breakthrough Star of Perth

Brendan Doggett was Australia’s surprise package in the first Test. Many expected him to struggle against England’s “Bazball” batting approach, but he delivered a sensational performance:

• ✔ First innings: 5-for
• ✔ Second innings: 3 wickets
• ✔ Match total:** 8 wickets**

Doggett’s accuracy, seam movement, and consistency impressed selectors and the Australian public. He has earned another chance, and with Cummins unavailable, he is almost guaranteed a spot in the XI.

Doggett himself told media:

“If I get called on in the second Test, I feel like I’m ready to go again.”

He will likely share new-ball duties with Starc.

💎 Scott Boland: Automatic Pick After Perth Heroics

Scott Boland continues to prove he is a force in Test cricket. His numbers from the Perth Test:

• 4/33 in 11.4 overs
• Smashed England’s middle order
• Maintained relentless pressure

Boland thrives on Australian pitches, and the Gabba — with its extra bounce — perfectly suits his style.

Even if Cummins were fit, Boland would likely retain his place.

🧠 Nathan Lyon: Will Australia Play a Spinner at the Gabba?

Nathan Lyon bowled only two overs in Perth. Selectors are unsure how much he can contribute in Brisbane.

Two major concerns:

❗ Concern 1: Pink Ball Test

Pink-ball conditions typically favor seamers, not spinners. Australia even dropped Lyon in their last pink-ball Test in Jamaica.

❗ Concern 2: Fitness

Lyon didn’t bowl enough overs in Perth to test his workload capacity.

Possible Scenarios:

Scenario 1: Lyon Plays

• Adds variety 🔄
• Massive experience 💼
• Useful on a fourth-innings pitch

Scenario 2: Lyon Sits Out

Australia might bring in:

• Beau Webster (all-rounder)
• OR
• Michael Neser (seam-bowling all-rounder with strong Gabba record)

Both options give Australia extra depth in both batting and bowling.

As of now, Lyon's selection for the XI remains uncertain.

🏏 Usman Khawaja: Will He Open or Will Travis Head Stay Up Top?

Khawaja suffered back spasms in Perth, preventing him from opening in either innings.

With Khawaja injured, Travis Head — known for middle-order explosiveness — moved up as a makeshift opener.

The result?

💥 Travis Head scored a 69-ball century (123 off 83 balls)*

• 16 fours
• 4 sixes
• Record-breaking Ashes knock
• Finished the chase in style

His attacking masterclass created debate across Australia:

❓ Should Travis Head become a permanent opener?

This is now the hottest batting question in Australian cricket.

🔄 What Happens If Khawaja Is Fully Fit?

Likely Scenario:

• Khawaja returns to opening duty
• Travis Head goes back to No. 5

Selectors believe in stability, and Khawaja has been a world-class opener for two years.

But if Khawaja remains unfit:

Alternative Options:

• Travis Head continues as opener
• Josh Inglis or Beau Webster may enter the XI in the middle order

At the moment, all signs suggest Khawaja will be fit in time.

🧢 Middle-Order Stability: Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green

Australia’s middle order looks strong and settled.

Marnus Labuschagne

• Scored 51* in the second innings in Perth
• Calm, stabilizing force
• Vital at No. 3 for Gabba conditions
• Loves batting at Brisbane, his home ground

Cameron Green

Green provides:

• Pace bowling
• Consistent batting
• Superb fielding
• Balance to the XI

Against England, his seam movement will be crucial.

🧤 Alex Carey Remains the First-Choice Wicketkeeper

Carey was consistent behind the stumps in Perth and remains Australia’s preferred gloveman.

Josh Inglis stays in the squad as a reliable backup, ready to step in if needed.

🎯 Backup Players: Why Each One Matters

Josh Inglis – Batting wicketkeeper option

Flexible, reliable, experienced. Could be considered for middle order reshuffle.

Michael Neser – Pink Ball Specialist

• Exceptional record at the Gabba
• Swings the pink ball beautifully
• Adds batting depth

He is a very strong contender if Australia goes with four seamers.

Beau Webster – All-rounder

• Can bat anywhere
• Bowls pace and off-spin
• Useful utility cricketer for tricky conditions

Jake Weatherald – Reserve opener

Performed well in domestic cricket. Backup for Khawaja and Head.

🔍 Expert Analysis: Why This Squad Matters

1. Retaining the same squad maintains momentum

Australia’s emphatic win means stability is the best approach. Minor tweaks can be made to the playing XI without disrupting the overall squad cohesion.

2. Flexibility in the bowling unit is essential

Without Cummins and with Lyon under observation, selectors want options:

• Swing bowlers
• Seamers
• Extra pace
• Extra batting

The unchanged squad gives them all four.

3. The Gabba is a fortress

Australia rarely lose in Brisbane.
Picking the same squad reinforces confidence in the current group.

4. Pink-ball dynamics require careful planning

Pink-ball Tests are unique. Selection needs to balance swing, seam, and night-session tactics.

🗂️ Possible Playing XI for the Second Test

Based on fitness, form, and conditions:

Likely XI (if Khawaja fit and Lyon plays):

1. Usman Khawaja
2. Travis Head
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith (c)
5. Cameron Green
6. Alex Carey
7. Nathan Lyon
8. Scott Boland
9. Brendan Doggett
10. Mitchell Starc
11. Jake Weatherald (if needed for balance) / Webster / Neser

But more likely:

Most Probable XI:

• Usman Khawaja
• Jake Weatherald / Travis Head
• Labuschagne
• Smith
• Head / Cameron Green
• Carey
• Green
• Lyon / Webster
• Boland
• Doggett
• Starc

Selectors will finalize the XI 24 hours before the match.

📌 Major Match Storylines to Watch

Here are the stories Australian media and fans will focus on:

🔵 1. Will Pat Cummins return?

Still the biggest question.

🔵 2. Can Starc destroy England again?

He is in record-breaking form.

🔵 3. Will Travis Head open permanently?

His Perth innings sparked a national debate.

🔵 4. Will Lyon play a pink-ball Test?

Selectors are torn.

🔵 5. Can England handle Australia’s pace trio?

Their batting collapsed twice in Perth.

🏟️ Gabba Test Overview: What to Expect

• The Gabba has bounce, pace, and movement.
• Pink ball exaggerates this even more.
• Australia’s players love the conditions.
• England’s batters historically struggle here.
• Weather could play a role in swing.

Australia enter the match as heavy favorites.

📊 Historical Ashes Numbers: Advantage Australia

• Australia dominates at the Gabba
• England haven’t won in Brisbane for decades
• Australia lead the Ashes series 1–0

Gabba conditions heavily favor the host nation’s seamers.

📣 Expert Predictions

Match Outcome Prediction:

Australia win or draw.
England unlikely to dominate unless their top order produces something extraordinary.

Key Player Predictions:

• Mitchell Starc – potential matchwinner
• Scott Boland – crucial with pink ball
• Travis Head – fireworks if opening again
• Labuschagne – expected to make runs at home

🏁 Conclusion: Australia Well Prepared for the Gabba Clash

Australia’s decision to name an unchanged squad signals confidence, stability, and strategic clarity. With the Perth victory behind them, the team enters the second Test with momentum and belief.

England, meanwhile, have massive questions to answer — mainly how to survive Australia’s devastating pace attack.

The Gabba Test promises to deliver:

• High-intensity cricket
• Tactical battles
• Selection drama
• Player comebacks
• Pink-ball unpredictability

And above all, Ashes excitement at its best.

✅ CRICKETORY INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS

🧠 Selection Stability Shows Australia’s Growing Ashes Control

Australia naming an unchanged 14-member squad sends a strong psychological message. After dismantling England in Perth, the Aussies believe their current combination is good enough to dominate again. This consistency reflects a settled dressing room, a confident leadership group, and a team functioning at peak clarity.

🔥 Pat Cummins’ Absence Reveals the Evolution of Australia’s Pace Depth

Five years ago, losing Cummins would have been a crisis. In 2025, it barely moves the needle.
Starc’s form, Boland’s consistency, and Doggett’s rise have created a pace unit where each bowler can win a Test single-handedly. This is Australia’s biggest Ashes advantage: their “next man up” culture is stronger than England’s frontline attack.

🎯 Travis Head’s Opening Debate Could Redefine Australia’s 2025 Batting Strategy

Head’s 123 (83) in Perth wasn’t just a random counterattack — it exposed England’s tactical weaknesses.
He has the explosiveness to break bowling plans and the temperament to survive the new ball. If Khawaja’s fitness issues persist, Australia may permanently shift Head to opener, creating a fearsome top-order template that England is not prepared for.

🌙 Pink-Ball Conditions Give Australia a Major Tactical Edge

At night, the pink ball swings for 12–15 overs — much more than the red ball. Australia’s bowlers, especially Starc, are experts at exploiting this. England’s top order has historically collapsed under lights, giving Australia a huge strategic advantage.

🧩 Nathan Lyon’s Role Could Decide the XI Structure

If Lyon plays:
✔ Australia gains control in long spells
✔ Batting depth remains stable

If Lyon is benched:
✔ Neser/Webster strengthens pace-heavy plans
✔ Australia becomes even more aggressive with ball

This single selection call will shape Australia’s entire tactical identity for the Gabba Test.

🏏 CRICKETORY MATCH ANALYSIS

Australia enter Brisbane as the team with:

• Better form
• Better bowling depth
• More defined roles
• Less pressure
• Greater adaptability

England, meanwhile, face:

• A confidence crisis
• An unsettled batting lineup
• Strategic confusion
• Poor pink-ball history

Australia’s biggest advantage?
Their plan is clear. England’s is not.

Unless England produce a miracle performance or Australia collapse drastically, the Gabba Test heavily favors the home side.

❓ FAQs 

Q1. Will Pat Cummins play the second Ashes Test?

A: Cummins is in the squad but unlikely to play. He is being prepared for a probable return in the third Test at Adelaide.

Q2. Why did Australia keep the same 14-member squad?

A: Selectors trust the players who dominated in Perth. Stability reflects confidence and momentum heading into the Gabba.

Q3. Will Travis Head continue as opener?

A: He may open again if Khawaja’s back spasms return. If Khawaja is fully fit, Head will move back to No. 5.

Q4. Who replaces Nathan Lyon if he is benched?

A: Michael Neser or Beau Webster could come in, depending on whether Australia want extra pace or all-round ability.

Q5. Can England bounce back in the second Test?

A: They can, but only if their top order finds answers to Starc, Boland, and Doggett under pink-ball conditions — something they historically struggle with.