Australia’s captain Pat Cummins is likely to miss the second Ashes Test as the hosts stick with an unchanged 14-man squad for the upcoming day-night match in Brisbane. Cummins, who sat out the previous two-day victory in Perth due to a back issue, had been showing progress in training but was left out of the squad announcement despite additional fitness work and bowling sessions. Although no official reason was given for his exclusion, Cummins will continue his preparations in Brisbane with a possibility of being added to the squad later.

Without Cummins, England stands to benefit despite Australia’s strong performance in the series opener. Mitchell Starc, the standout player in Perth with a ten-wicket haul, will lead the bowling attack alongside Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland in Hazlewood’s absence. Additionally, Usman Khawaja, who struggled with back spasms in the first Test, is retained in the squad with uncertainty surrounding his place in the XI.

The Australia squad for the second Ashes Test includes 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, and Beau Webster.

In other news, Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, offering significant savings and a wide range of live sports coverage, including over 1,400 matches across various leagues. Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League games each season, along with Formula 1, darts, golf, and more.