Australia have named an unchanged 14-man squad for the pink-ball Test against England at the Gabba, but the biggest headline is the ongoing uncertainty over Pat Cummins. The captain has been included in preparations and will travel with the squad, yet remains more doubtful than hopeful for Brisbane, with Adelaide appearing the more realistic comeback target.

Despite the selection stability, several tactical questions remain for Australia, including Usman Khawaja’s fitness, Travis Head’s temporary promotion as opener, and whether Nathan Lyon fits into the pink-ball plans.

Below is a full breakdown of the situation, the injury landscape, selection puzzles, and what the Gabba Test may look like.

Cummins Improving but Brisbane Arrival Still Not Guaranteed

Cummins bowled in an intensive session at the SCG on Friday, delivering to stand-in captain Steven Smith and showing proper ball speed and rhythm. However, he has not yet bowled on back-to-back days — a key requirement before entering a Test workload.

Adelaide Appears the Safer Return Window

With Cummins scheduled to bowl again on Monday, selectors are cautious.
The timeline suggests:

• No red flag medically

• But insufficient repeat loading for a full Test workload

• Adelaide’s third Test giving him two extra weeks to prepare

However, as per ESPNcricinfo sources, he has not been ruled out entirely, leaving a slim chance of a late addition should Monday’s session go exceptionally well.

Coach Andrew McDonald reinforced this measured approach:

“The intensity was there, the ball speed was there. Now it’s about resilience and avoiding any rush.”

Khawaja Trending Towards Fitness After Back Spasms

Usman Khawaja’s back spasms restricted him heavily in Perth — so much so that he could not open the batting in either innings.
He confirmed he was hours away from receiving an epidural injection.

Now, his movement has improved significantly.

Will Head Stay at the Top?

Travis Head blasted 123 off 83 in Perth while filling in for Khawaja.
The debate is natural:

• Should Australia consider Head as a permanent opener?

• Or will he return to No. 5 where his impact has been consistently match-winning?

Selectors are expected to back Khawaja as long as he proves full mobility before the match.

Josh Inglis or Beau Webster remain middle-order backup options if Australia opts for a shuffle.

Australia’s Pace Attack Likely to Repeat — With or Without Cummins

Even with Cummins absent, Australia’s pace depth remains formidable. Brendan Doggett, who impressed with a five-for in Perth, is set to retain his spot alongside Starc and Boland.

Doggett acknowledged the opportunity:

“If I get called again, I feel ready. I’ll control what I can control.”

Lyon’s Spot Under Scrutiny for Pink-Ball Conditions

Nathan Lyon bowled just two overs in Perth and was left out of the last pink-ball Test in Jamaica.
Selectors may prefer an allrounder or an extra seam option:

• Beau Webster: adds batting depth, seam overs

• Michael Neser: Gabba specialist, capable bat, pink-ball expert

This selection call may reveal Australia’s broader tactical thinking for day-night matches.

Josh Hazlewood Continues Slow Recovery, Eyes Late-Series Return

Hazlewood, who was never in contention for Brisbane, bowled lightly again on Friday. His hamstring is progressing well, though with no firm return timeline.

He echoed McDonald’s caution:

“Probably the back half of the series is realistic.”

Hazlewood’s availability could dramatically reshape Australia’s attack later in the series to try and constitute a double hat trick.

A Stable Squad: Signals of Trust and Tactical Patience

Australia have opted for an unchanged squad, reflecting:

• Confidence in the depth

• Faith in the fringe players

• A desire not to disrupt rhythm after a dominant Perth performance

Australia’s squad for the Brisbane Test:
Steve Smith (capt), 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

What the Gabba Pitch Means for Australia’s XI

The Gabba traditionally offers bounce, pace, and more lateral movement under lights.
This could tempt Australia to field four quicks plus Green’s seam overs.

Pink-ball dynamics at the Gabba:

• Swing early

• Nip late

• Enhanced bounce

• Difficult twilight batting periods

This may influence whether Lyon or Webster is preferred.

England’s Approach: How Cummins’ Absence Changes the Contest

If Cummins misses out:

• England may target Australia’s second-line leadership

• Starc becomes the attack leader

• England’s batters will be more wary of Doggett after his Perth success

• Smith’s tactical decisions will again be tested

Cummins missing shifts the psychological balance, making this a more competitive Test.

Head’s Form Creates Selection Luxury, Not Problems

Head’s 123 in Perth showed that he can disrupt even the freshest bowling attack. His intent makes him adaptable to any role.

Key considerations:

• Head as opener adds aggression

• Head at No. 5 provides stability and counterattack

• Khawaja’s availability will dictate the final call

Australia suddenly have the type of flexibility teams envy.

The Pink-Ball Factor: Strategy, Rhythm, and Risk

Day-night Tests require different rhythms:

• Bowlers warm up faster

• Batting becomes dangerous around sunset

• Night sessions amplify swing

This makes team balance crucial.
Australia’s stability + England’s aggressive modern Test approach = potential thriller.

Brisbane’s Historical Advantage: Can England Overcome the Gabba Wall?

England have suffered some of their toughest moments at the Gabba:

• 2002 opener loss

• 2006 Ashes collapse

• 2013 Mitchell Johnson carnage

Australia rarely lose here.
Even without Cummins, the venue itself gives them momentum.

Conclusion

Australia enter Brisbane with belief, depth, and momentum — but also with uncertainty. Cummins’ race against time, Khawaja’s recovery, and the question of Lyon’s role create a layer of intrigue over what otherwise might have been a straightforward selection.

England will sense an opportunity if Cummins sits out and if Khawaja is less than 100%.
Australia, however, will back their structure, their depth, and their pink-ball pedigree.

The Gabba awaits. And with it, a fascinating second chapter of this Test series.