Australia’s pace spearheads, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, are ramping up their training as they look to return from injury for the second Ashes Test against England. Cummins took to the nets at Cricket NSW headquarters in Sydney on Tuesday during the Blues’ Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania, bowling with a pink ball to simulate conditions for the upcoming day-night match at the Gabba.
The 32-year-old captain missed Australia’s commanding eight-wicket victory in the series opener at Perth due to a back injury but is now edging closer to selection for Brisbane. Hazlewood also participated in the session but bowled with a red ball at reduced pace, with his hamstring injury leaving his participation uncertain.
Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Cummins has “half a chance” to play in Brisbane and praised his progress during net sessions in Perth. McDonald also expressed confidence that Hazlewood could still contribute to the series despite concerns over his fitness.
While Australia dominated the opener, the Test XI remains unsettled. Veteran opener Usman Khawaja is being closely monitored after suffering back spasms that limited his batting in Perth. Travis Head, following a brilliant fourth-innings 123, has made a strong case to retain an opening spot and confirmed his willingness to open if required.
Allrounder Beau Webster could return at No.6 should Khawaja be unavailable, while Cameron Green would adjust his batting position. Josh Inglis, who recently scored a rapid century against the England Lions, also remains in contention as a specialist batter.
Ashes 2025–26 Schedule:
- Second Test: Dec 4–8, The Gabba, Brisbane (D/N), 3pm AEDT
- Third Test: Dec 17–21, Adelaide Oval, 10:30am AEDT
- Fourth Test: Dec 26–30, MCG, Melbourne, 10:30am AEDT
- Fifth Test: Jan 4–8, SCG, Sydney, 10:30am AEDT
Australia squad (first Test only): 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
England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood
