Australia Suffer Massive Setback Ahead of the 2nd Ashes Test

The biggest cricket rivalry is currently underway with the ongoing Ashes Test series. As England and Australia prepare for the Ashes 2025 Brisbane second Test. The first match ended with quick results and early bowl outs in just two days, where the Aussies secured an easy win and are now 1-0 up in the series.

As the AUS vs ENG 2nd Test approaches at the Gabba, the attention is now shifting to both the teams whereas key Australian players are still out with injury concerns. With the ENG vs AUS 2nd Test set to be a day-night match, Australia hoped to have a full bowling lineup, but instead, they are set to face a major setback. Before the match begins, it appears that Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will again miss the contest, which has left fans and Australia 2nd Test playing 11 in doubt.

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood to miss Brisbane Test

According to the Pat Cummins injury update, the Australia captain will not take part in the upcoming AUS vs ENG 2nd Ashes Test despite training in the nets,. Despite bowling in Sydney with the pink ball and showing progress in training, the selectors have decided to be cautious and have declared that he is not ready to handle the full workload of a Test match.

Pat Cummins Ashes participation was expected for the 2nd Test as he completed a long spell in the nets, but now the medical staff has advised him to have more recovery time. However, Pat Cummins will travel with the team, continue training and aim for the third Ashes Test.

Josh Hazlewood, who didn't take part in the AUS vs ENG 1st Ashes Test, will also miss the upcoming Brisbane Test with his injury concerns. According to Josh Hazlewood injury update, he is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and bowled at reduced intensity in the nets. Although he wasn’t fit to take part in the Brisbane Test but his bowling session in nets gave fans hope of a possible recovery.

Both Cummins and Hazlewood are among the best Test bowlers in the world. The recent announcement of the Australia squad for the second Ashes Test has confirmed that both of the star performers are kept out for better recovery.

Australia Squad for 2nd Ashes Test

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

Australia 1-0 Ahead in The Ashes

Australia dominated the first Ashes Test at Perth, winning it in just two days, and would look to extend the winning streak, making it 2-0. In the opening match, Travis Head's innings helped shift the momentum, which led Australia to chase the score comfortably. During this knock, Head showed why he is considered one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. England, on the other hand, struggled with both bat and ball, allowing the Aussies to take a 1-0 lead in the Ashes 2025 series.

With Australia’s squad announced, Steve Smith will continue as stand-in captain as Pat Cummins will miss the test, and the team has the same lineup as the first, with Hazlewood and Cummins missing again. As the ENG vs AUS 2nd Test begins shortly, Australia will try to increase their lead to 2-0, and England will look to take advantage of the absence of two senior pacers.