Australia sticks with same squad for second Ashes Test

Australia will head into the second Ashes Test in Brisbane with an unchanged squad, confirming that captain Pat Cummins will not return in time for the match against England.

Cummins, who missed Australia's commanding eight-wicket victory in the series opener due to a back stress injury, had been considered an outside chance to resume leadership duties for the day-night Test at the Gabba on December 4. Despite showing improvement, selectors have opted against rushing him back.

His replacement in the first Test, Brendan Doggett, remains in the squad after an impressive debut in Perth and had widely been expected to step aside if Cummins was cleared to play. Instead, selectors have backed the same group that delivered a dramatic two-day win to open the five-match series.

The final XI will be confirmed closer to the start of play on Thursday, but Cummins's hopes of featuring in the second Test have now been formally put to rest.

Australia's squad for the second 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.