Ashes 2025-26: Australia and England Expected Playing 11

The Ashes 2025-26 is heading into the second game of the series, and the iconic Gabba in Brisbane is all set to play host to what could be a pulsating clash. This will be a day-night Test played with the pink ball, and Australia will head into this game with their heads and tails up.

Having thrashed England in under 2 days in the opening Test at Perth, the hosts are booming with confidence. The Aussies have an added advantage in playing the day-night Test, as they are used to playing with the pink ball more than any other team around the world. Cricket Australia always tends to add at least one pink ball Test in their home series, which has led to Australia playing the most pink ball Tests among other Test-playing nations.

Both teams are prepping well for the Gabba Test. Between all these preparations, it is important to know what sort of playing XI the two teams will opt for in the second Test. Let’s discuss the expected elevens for the 2nd Test of Ashes 2025-26, Australia and England.

Australia Expected Playing 11

The hosts have named an unchanged squad of 14 members, which doesn’t feature Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. The pace duo missed the first test due to injury and haven’t recovered from their respective injuries ahead of the Gabba Test. Usman Khawaja, who got a back spasm while fielding in the second innings of the last game, has made it to the squad, which means he will be featuring in this Test. In the absence of Pat Cummins, Steven Smith will continue to lead the side as the stand-in skipper.

After what transpired in the opening game, the Aussies are least expected to tinker with their winning combination. However, we won’t see two different individuals opening in either inning. If Usman Khawaja is named in the eleven on match day, he will return to his opening spot to partner the debutant from the last game, Jake Weatherald. Check the expected playing 11 of Australia for this game.

Expected Playing XI: Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland

England Expected Playing 11

The Englishmen were thrashed and humiliated in the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth by 8 wickets. Despite their loss, Ben Stokes and his men opted not to hit the practice session with the Pink ball early on. There was a sort of ignorance and restlessness in the English camp ahead of the Gabba Test, and the war of words also spiked up to spice up the series.

Ahead of the second Test, there are a lot of questions to be asked about the lame batting display by the batters. Seniors like Joe Root and Ben Stokes were nowhere near their best with the bat, whereas young guns like Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope looked desperate to break the shackles. Between all the batting fuss, the visitors have a major fitness concern about pacer Mark Wood.

The 35-year-old is a doubtful starter for the pink-ball Test at the Gabba due to a recurring injury. His teammate Joe Root provided an update on his condition, stating that while he is not aware of the specific details of Wood’s injury, the express pacer is doing everything possible to ensure his availability for the second Ashes Test. In case Wood misses out, England has Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts in their squad, who could prove to be able replacements for Wood. Here’s how the English XI could shape up ahead of the 2nd Test.

Expected Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue/Matthew Potts