Win Projections to be updated soon
Sydney, 27 November 2025:
Australia captain Pat Cummins moved closer to proving his fitness for the second Ashes Test after bowling with a pink ball during a training session in Sydney, as fellow quick Josh Hazlewood also returned to the nets.
Cummins trained at Cricket NSW headquarters on Tuesday during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Tasmania, continuing the workload he began during two net sessions in Perth last week.
The 32-year-old remains in contention for the day-night Test at the Gabba after missing Australia’s eight-wicket win in the two-day opener in Perth due to a back injury.
The use of the pink ball underscored Australia’s preparation for the upcoming day-night fixture. Hazlewood, recovering from a hamstring injury and unlikely to feature in Brisbane, bowled with a red ball and did not operate at full intensity.
Cummins said he is “half a chance” to play in Brisbane, encouraged by the long break between matches and the progress he has made in his rehab. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald echoed that optimism, saying Cummins’ strong performances in Perth’s net sessions had already exceeded expectations.
McDonald also dismissed speculation that Hazlewood could miss the entire summer, saying the fast bowler is expected to play some part in the series.
Despite Australia’s emphatic win in Perth, the XI for the Gabba remains uncertain. Opener Usman Khawaja is being further assessed in Brisbane after back spasms limited his involvement in the first Test. The issue, which surfaced on day one, kept him off the field for long periods and restricted him to a single innings.
Travis Head strengthened his case to stay as an opener after a match-winning 123 in the fourth innings and said he would be willing to take on the role if required.
All-rounder Beau Webster, left out in Perth, could return at No. 6 if Khawaja is unavailable, with Cameron Green shifting up a spot. Josh Inglis is another option after smashing a rapid century against the England Lions on Monday and may be considered as a specialist batter.
