Selectors left out skipper Pat Cummins from an unchanged Australia squad they named on Friday for the day-night second Ashes test. Cummins is battling a back injury, but under-pressure opener Usman Khawaja retained his place.
Fellow star paceman Josh Hazlewood was also absent, as expected, while he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem.
Cummins has not played since he picked up a lower back injury against the West Indies four months ago.
He missed the rapid-fire opening test in Perth, which Australia won by eight wickets within two days.
Cummins has bowled at full pace in the nets in recent weeks and said last weekend he had “half a chance” to play in Brisbane.
However, selectors clearly refuse to take any chances with the 32-year-old, who will now target the third Test in Adelaide on 17 December.
This means Steve Smith will remain captain, while Brendan Doggett prepares to lead the attack once more with Perth 10-wicket hero Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, on what promises to be another fast track.
The Gabba Test begins on 4 December, with Australia looking to press home their advantage and take a 2 – 0 lead in the five-test series.
Despite missing out, Cummins will travel to Brisbane to continue his preparations.
Khawaja made the squad amid mounting calls for selectors to drop the veteran.
The 38-year-old, who has not scored a test century on home soil since January 2023, failed to open in either innings in Perth because of back spasms.
Marnus Labuschagne initially replaced him at the top alongside Jake Weatherald, and then Travis Head took over in the second innings.
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Head, who usually bats at five but opens in white-ball cricket, seized the opportunity with all guns blazing, smashing an incredible 123 from just 83 balls to drive Australia to victory.
Whether Khawaja keeps his spot in the XI remains uncertain, with Australia not expected to finalise their starting side until the eve of the clash.
Should selectors stick with Head and axe Khawaja, they could open the door to in-form all-rounder Beau Webster and gain a handy extra bowling option.
Australia squad: 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.
