Australia has named an unchanged squad for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, backing the same lineup that secured a commanding victory in the series opener. The decision signals confidence in the team’s current form while injured captain Pat Cummins and pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood continue their recovery on the sidelines.
The 2nd Ashes test squad will face England in a pink-ball day-night clash starting December 12 at Brisbane’s fortress ground, where Australia has built an intimidating record in recent years.
Continuity Over Change
Cricket Australia’s selection panel opted against any alterations to the winning combination. The unchanged squad features Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland.
Stand-in captain Steve Smith will again lead the side. Mitchell Marsh retains his all-rounder spot alongside the pace trio of Starc, Boland, and Green.
The continuity reflects Australia’s ruthless approach to maintaining momentum. After dominating the opening Test, selectors saw no reason to tinker with a formula that delivered results.
Unchanged đź”’#Ashes pic.twitter.com/Xu7W7p9R3N
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 28, 2025
Cummins Eyes Adelaide Return
Pat Cummins remains focused on recovering from a back injury in time for the third Test in Adelaide. The Australian captain has been managing the issue carefully, with medical staff monitoring his progress daily.
Sources close to the team indicate Cummins is responding well to treatment. He’s targeting the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval on December 17 for his return.
The injury has forced Cummins to miss crucial action. But his absence has allowed Scott Boland to stake a strong claim for a permanent spot in the attack.
Hazlewood’s Cautious Comeback
Josh Hazlewood is easing back into training after suffering a hamstring strain. The New South Wales paceman has been following a graduated return-to-play protocol designed to prevent any setback.
Cricket Australia’s medical team is taking no risks with Hazlewood. His workload is being carefully managed to ensure he’s fully fit for the remainder of the summer.
While the Adelaide Test appears realistic for Hazlewood, selectors have made it clear they won’t rush him back prematurely.
Gabba: Australia’s Pink-Ball Fortress
The Gabba has become synonymous with Australian dominance in day-night cricket. The hosts have won their last nine pink-ball Tests at the venue, creating an aura of invincibility under the lights.
England faces a monumental challenge. The pink ball traditionally swings and seams more than the red, playing into Australia’s pace-heavy attack.
Key factors working in Australia’s favour:
- Home conditions at Brisbane’s notoriously bouncy pitch
- Proven pink-ball specialists in Starc and Lyon
- England’s recent struggles in day-night formats
- Psychological advantage from their Gabba record
The venue has witnessed some of cricket’s most dramatic moments. India’s historic 2021 victory ended a 32-year Australian winning streak at the ground, but the hosts have since reclaimed their dominance.
England’s Selection Dilemma
England must decide whether to persist with their attacking “Bazball” philosophy or adapt to the unique challenges of pink-ball cricket at the Gabba.
Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum face difficult calls. Their aggressive approach has revolutionised England’s Test cricket, but it has also left them vulnerable against quality pace bowling.
Australia’s pace attack exposed weaknesses in England’s batting during the first Test. The tourists need to find answers quickly or risk falling 2-0 behind in the series.
Weather and Pitch Conditions
Brisbane’s December weather typically offers perfect conditions for day-night cricket. Clear skies and warm temperatures are forecast for the opening days.
The Gabba pitch is expected to offer pace and bounce. Curator David Sandurski has prepared a surface that should provide assistance to fast bowlers throughout the match.
Evening sessions under lights will be crucial. The pink ball tends to swing more as dew settles on the outfield, creating challenging batting conditions.
Stakes and Series Context
This Test carries enormous significance. Australia can take a commanding 2-0 lead with victory, while England desperately needs a result to stay alive in the series.
Historical context adds extra pressure. No team has successfully defended the Ashes in Australia since England managed it in 2010-11.
The pink-ball format adds unpredictability. While Australia dominates the statistics, England will take heart from past upsets at the venue.
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Looking Ahead
Cricket Australia’s decision to maintain the unchanged squad demonstrates faith in current personnel. The selectors have resisted temptation to make reactionary changes, instead trusting the players who delivered in the series opener.
Cummins and Hazlewood remain integral to Australia’s Ashes plans. Their absence creates opportunities for Boland and other pacers to cement their positions, but both injured stars will be welcomed back when fully fit.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in training
The Adelaide Test looms as a potential turning point. If Cummins returns as planned, Australia will have selection headaches around who makes way from the winning combination.
For now, all focus shifts to Brisbane and another potential chapter in the Gabba’s storied pink-ball history.
