Australia Stick With Same 14 as Cummins Misses Brisbane Clash

Australia named an unchanged 14 for the Brisbane Test after Pat Cummins fell short of a full return, leaving the side leaning again on a group that walked off Perth with a mix of relief and unfinished business. 

Cummins Waits While Doggett Steps Forward

Cummins pushed through a long session at the SCG earlier in the week, sending down spells to Steven Smith and moving freely enough to spark quiet optimism. That one moment flipped everything for fans who assumed he was a late chance. Yet the selectors resisted any rush and kept him out, preferring a steady path toward the third Test in Adelaide.

He will travel with the group and bowl again on Monday, though nothing suggests a last-minute twist. His absence handed Brendan Doggett another opportunity after his five wickets in Perth caught attention. When the scoreboard flashed 150 in England’s chase, gasps echoed around the ground as Doggett found sharp movement and real bite. You could see the confidence written on his face.

“I am going to control what I can control and keep pushing in every session,” Doggett said in Perth. “If I get the call again, I feel ready.” Short line but impactful message.

Khawaja Holds His Spot Despite Back Spasms

Usman Khawaja kept his place despite back spasms that forced him out of both innings in Perth. He looked stiff, no doubt about it. His absence pushed Travis Head to the top, and that experiment turned into a thunderbolt. His blazing 123 off 83 balls had the crowd on its feet, and suddenly the debate over Australia’s opening pair looked very different.

If Khawaja is cleared, he slides back in. If not, the conversation widens. Josh Inglis and Beau Webster offer middle-order depth if Head stays up top, although neither move is straightforward. Few inside the camp expect sweeping changes, yet the chatter refuses to quieten.

Lyon’s Quiet Outing Sparks Intrigue

Another talking point lingers around Nathan Lyon. He bowled just two overs in Perth and did not feature in Australia’s last pink-ball Test. The Gabba under lights can be tricky for spinners, and whispers around Michael Neser or Webster as extra balance have grown louder. 

Josh Hazlewood continued his recovery with a gentle session on Friday. He was never expected to play this Test, but remains in the frame for later in the series.

The conditions will shape strategy and, to be fair, shape the nerves too. A settled squad looks calm on paper. The noise around it tells another story.