Steve Smith named captain again as Pat Cummins left out of Brisbane Test squad
Pat Cummins has been left out of an unchanged 14-man Australia squad for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, in what could be a major clue that the regular skipper is not going to play the upcoming pink ball fixture against England.
Six days out from the Gabba Test, selectors have stuck with the group that delivered an eight-wicket win in Perth to give Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series.
Pat Cummins speaks to the media. Credit: Getty Images
Cummins, who has been nursing a back injury, was not named in the official squad on Friday afternoon.
Australia could still pick Cummins even if he’s not officially listed in the squad, but his absence is a sign he remains in doubt.
Cummins has been back bowling at full pace in recent days and will bowl again on Monday in Brisbane.
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This masthead has reported Cummins is more likely to return for the third Test in Adelaide.
“Pat Cummins will travel to Brisbane to continue his preparations,” read a CA statement. “The squad assembles in Brisbane from Sunday.”
In the squad announcement, Steve Smith is listed as captain.
Australian squad for Brisbane Test: Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
More to come
