Usman Khawaja remains in contention to retain his place in the Australia XI despite suffering back spasms last week.
Josh Inglis, Beau Webster and Michael Neser are the three backup players that remain in the squad. Inglis and Webster are considered options to slot into the middle order if Khawaja is deemed unfit to play, which would potentially see Travis Head retain the opening spot he filled in the fourth innings of the first Test in Perth.
“Pat Cummins will travel to Brisbane to continue his preparations,” Cricket Australia stated in a media release on Friday afternoon.
“The squad assembles in Brisbane from Sunday.”
Cummins can theoretically still be selected in the team XI next Thursday, but his omission from the squad is likely a signal to incumbent bowlers Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett that they can prepare freely without fear of non-selection.
Australia squad for Second Test:
Batters: Steve Smith (NSW/c), Alex Carey (SA/wk), Travis Head (SA), Josh Inglis (WA/wk), Usman Khawaja (QLD), Marnus Labuschagne (QLD), Jake Weatherald (TAS)
All-rounders: Cameron Green (WA), Michael Neser (QLD), Beau Webster (TAS)
Bowlers: Scott Boland (VIC), Brendan Doggett (SA), Nathan Lyon (NSW), Mitchell Starc (NSW)
