Pat Cummins May Play Second Ashes Test; Australia Delays Team Announcement

Australia is poised to make at least one change to their squad ahead of the anticipated second Ashes Test. Opener Usman Khawaja has been sidelined due to persistent back spasms, prompting the team to consider Josh Inglis for inclusion. The batter, who hails from Leeds, has been training with the Australian slip cordon.

Inglis, who moved to Australia at 14, made an impressive Test debut earlier this year, scoring a century against Sri Lanka. At 30 years old, he has played three Test matches and recently scored a century for a Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions. His attacking style has drawn praise from Australian captain Steve Smith, who highlighted Inglis’s ability to handle fast bowling effectively.

Pat Cummins’ Potential Return

Another significant element for Australia is the potential return of captain Pat Cummins. As one of the premier fast bowlers globally, Cummins’ comeback could provide a considerable boost for a team currently leading the series 1-0. His performance with the pink ball is notably superior; he boasts a better average, strike-rate, and economy rate compared to his red-ball statistics.

If Cummins plays, he will not only strengthen the bowling attack but also enhance the batting lineup, which struggled with a lengthy tail in the last match. His presence at number eight could prove crucial as Australia aims to maintain their edge and move closer to retaining the Ashes title.

England’s Team Adjustments

On the English side, significant changes have been confirmed ahead of the test. Spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks has been named in the squad, marking his return to Test cricket after a three-year hiatus. Jacks replaces injured pace bowler Mark Wood, with selectors opting for his batting capabilities to strengthen the order.

• England has not won a Test in Australia in nearly 15 years.
• The last Test match victory in Brisbane was recorded in 1986.
• Jacks was preferred over first-choice spinner Shoaib Bashir due to tactical considerations.

Captain Ben Stokes emphasized the tactical nature of their selection, highlighting the importance of having batting depth, especially at the lower order. The upcoming Test promises to be a critical juncture in the series, with both teams eager to assert their dominance.