Ashes: Pat Cummins misses out as Australia name unchanged playing XI for The Gabba clash

Pat Cummins (Pic: File Pic)

Ahead of the second Test match of the Ashes series against England, the Australian selectors have named an unchanged playing XI for the Gabba clash.

Australia's star pacer Josh Hazlewood and skipper Pat Cummins will miss out on the action. This will be the second consecutive clash of the series that the two pacers will be missing out on.

Cummins was out of action in the first Test match due to his back injury. The Aussies, under the captaincy of veteran batsman Steve Smith, secured a dominating eight-wicket victory in two days.

The pacer, who had an extensive training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), will now travel to Brisbane to continue his preparation to participate in the Ashes. In his absence, Smith will continue to lead the Australian pack.

On the other hand, Hazlewood also did not feature in the series opener as he sustained a strain in his hamstring while playing in the Sheffield Shield, a week before the first game. He is yet to be cleared for a return for the second match.

Veteran opening batsman, Usman Khawaja, who was struggling with back spasms, retained his place in the team. The back spasms limited his role in the first Test match as he was unable to open in both innings for Australia.

Later, swashbuckling Travis Head replaced Khawaja at the top and smashed the second-fastest century in Ashes history. His century also helped the Aussies to register the famous Ashes win against the "Three Lions" in just 28.2 overs, while chasing a target of 205 runs.

Facing just 83 deliveries, the left-hander smashed 123 runs, which was laced with 16 boundaries and four maximums. With this, the Aussies have taken a lead by 1-0 in the five-match series against England.

On the other hand, it will be interesting to see if England stalwart Joe Root bring his 'A-game' in the second Test match. The second clash of the much-anticipated Test series is scheduled to be played at The Gabba from December 4.

Australia squad for second Test: 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, Beau Webster.

(With ANI Inputs)