Pat Cummins has missed out on Australia’s squad for the day-night Test at the Gabba. The selectors have gone with the same 14 players who were involved in Perth. Josh Inglis, Michael Neser and Beau Webster stay in the group but did not feature in the playing XI.
Cummins is still chasing a late opening. He trained hard at the SCG on Friday and bowled to stand-in captain Steven Smith. Now he will head to Brisbane to continue his return. He is scheduled to bowl again on Monday. The door is not completely shut, but the third Test in Adelaide remains the more realistic comeback point. Even so, team insiders say he has not been fully ruled out of the pink-ball Test.
So far, Cummins has not bowled on back-to-back days during rehab. He has been spacing sessions by three days since leaving Perth.
Coach Andrew McDonald said the signs were encouraging. The pace was there. The intensity was there. But he warned that the focus must now be on building soft-tissue strength and not rushing the process.
Usman Khawaja has kept his spot despite the back spasms that disrupted his Perth Test. The pain left him unable to open in both innings. Travis Head stepped up with a stunning 123 off 83 balls, sparking talk about a more permanent switch. Still, if Khawaja is fit, he is expected to open as usual. Inglis and Webster remain options if the selectors want a shake-up.
Khawaja said his recovery had improved after a difficult period. He was close to receiving an epidural to help him move properly. He hopes to be ready for his home Test.
Brendan Doggett is likely to keep his place after taking five wickets in Perth. Nathan Lyon’s role is less certain after bowling only two overs.
Josh Hazlewood continues his slow return from a hamstring injury and may feature later in the series.
Australia will regroup in Brisbane on Sunday.
Also read: Perth Test ends early, costing Cricket Australia millions of dollars
