Australia’s cricket team remains hopeful that captain Pat Cummins will recover in time to participate in the second Ashes Test against England in Brisbane, commencing December 4. Cummins, who recently described his chances of playing as a “half chance,” has been undergoing rehabilitation after missing the first Test. Head coach Andrew McDonald expressed cautious optimism, stating that Cummins’ return is nearing completion and could be confirmed closer to the match date. Meanwhile, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who sustained a hamstring injury, is unlikely to feature in the entire series but is expected to return at some point. Mitchell Starc, another key member of Australia’s pace attack, delivered a standout performance in the first Test, claiming 10 wickets. McDonald also addressed concerns about opener Usman Khawaja, who experienced back spasms during the Perth Test. While Khawaja has returned home for further evaluation, his availability for Brisbane remains uncertain. Travis Head, who stepped in as an opener and scored a match-winning century, may continue in that role in future matches. McDonald emphasized the importance of spinner Nathan Lyon, particularly in the middle sessions of pink-ball Tests, dismissing any notion of excluding him from the lineup.