England's chances of mounting a comeback in the Ashes have received a significant lift following confirmation Australian skipper Pat Cummins won't feature in the Brisbane Test starting next Thursday.
The pace bowler's ongoing back problem has ruled him out of a second consecutive match.
After suffering a comprehensive defeat within two days at Perth, where Australia triumphed by eight wickets, England will welcome the absence of the home side's premier bowler.
The hosts have retained their 14-player group from the opening Test as they aim to establish a commanding 2-0 advantage in the five-match series.
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The Australian captain hasn't taken the field since his country swept the West Indies in July, when back soreness first emerged.
Despite recent practice sessions with the pink ball ahead of the day-night fixture at the Gabba, medical staff determined he wasn't ready to return.
Fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood remains unavailable, compounding Australia's selection challenges.
The unchanged squad announcement means both key pacemen will watch from the sidelines as their team seeks to extend their series lead with three matches remaining.
Ben Stokes and Joe Root look dejected after the first Test match
|REUTERS
Management had expressed optimism about Cummins's potential involvement in Brisbane, making his continued absence a particular blow to their plans.
Australia face selection dilemmas regarding their batting lineup, with Usman Khawaja's position under scrutiny.
Back spasms prevented him from opening in Perth, forcing a drop to number four in the order.
Travis Head strengthened his claim to retain the opening slot after his explosive second-innings hundred proved decisive in securing victory.
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Pat Cummins won't feature in the Brisbane Test starting Thursday
|REUTERS
His commanding performance has prompted discussions about maintaining the current arrangement.
The hosts must determine whether Khawaja has recovered sufficiently to return to his customary position at the top, or if Head's match-winning display warrants keeping him as opener for the crucial Brisbane encounter.
Josh Inglis remains in contention for selection after an impressive performance against England Lions, where he compiled a century in recent warm-up action.
His form presents selectors with an intriguing option as they finalise their 11.
Ben Stokes looks dejected as he speaks to the media during a press conference after England lost the first test on day
|REUTERS
Should Head continue opening, either Inglis or Beau Webster could slot into the middle order at number five.
Both players offer compelling cases for inclusion in the must-win fixture.
The bowling unit will mirror Perth's successful combination, with Mitchell Starc spearheading the attack.
Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett complete the pace trio, tasked with maintaining pressure in the absence of their injured colleagues.
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