After recuperating from a back stress injury, Australian captain Pat Cummins is anticipated to return to the team for the second Test in Brisbane. Pat Cummins returned for the day-night Test at the Gabba on December 4 after missing the first Test in Perth, where Australia won handily.
Since September, when a bone stress flare-up in his back threatened to keep him out of the entire Ashes series, Pat Cummins had been recuperating from an injury. His participation was initially doubtful due to concerns raised by selectors and medical personnel, but the fast bowler has recovered very quickly. He recently bowled hard in Perth and kept up his excellent form at Cricket NSW headquarters, which included a vigorous pink ball exercise.
Although Pat Cummins ‘ rehabilitation had checked off a number of boxes, coach Andrew McDonald had previously stated that the final decision would be made closer to game day to make sure the captain wasn’t hurried back too soon.
“I am aware that he will be accessible at some time over the series. We expect him to participate in the series, but we have some early rehabilitation to do to figure out how he might fit in,” he stated.
Usman Khawaja will continue to play for the team.
The 15-man lineup from the Perth triumph is expected to remain mostly same, with the pacer’s return being the only significant alteration. Josh Hazlewood trained during the week as well, although he is probably going to miss the Brisbane Test due to a hamstring issue, delaying his return till Adelaide.
Brendan Doggett, a debutant who made an impression in Perth with match numbers of 5/78, is aware that if Pat Cummins is cleared, he might have to make room. Doggett bowled effectively in his first Test and regularly troubled England with both length and short-pitched bowling despite having little experience with the pink ball.
Another area that is closely monitored is the batting order. Despite having back spasms, Usman Khawaja is anticipated to be in the squad, however it is unclear where he will start. Debate over whether Travis Head should continue to open or whether Khawaja should resume his typical role at home has been sparked by Head’s historic 69-ball century in the fourth innings at Perth. A few of bowlers are still being considered for selection later in the series. Xavier Bartlett, Jhye Richardson, and Michael Neser are among the possibilities.
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