The Ashes: Australia's Pat Cummins 'half a chance' to play in second Test vs England - and will Travis Head open again?

Australia captain Pat Cummins has downgraded his chances of returning for the second Ashes Test at Brisbane from December 4, citing a back issue that has kept him out since July.

Despite expressing optimism about his recovery progress, Cummins believes he is only "half a chance" to play in the next match. He acknowledged that he had a couple of good sessions in Perth and was hopeful about his prospects for bowling around 10 overs before taking a quieter period, but ultimately admitted that it's too early to make any definitive decisions.

The decision has raised questions about whether Cummins will return as captain for the Brisbane Test after Steve Smith stood in during the first match. However, with Australia leading 1-0 in the five-match series and boasting an impressive record against England at day-night Tests, there may be pressure on selectors to keep Cummins out of the side if his injury concerns remain unaddressed.

Travis Head's remarkable performance in Perth has also raised eyebrows about his future as a batsman for Australia. The 29-year-old opener smashed 123 from 83 balls to stun England and is now being touted as a possible long-term opening partner for Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Former Australia opener David Warner has expressed confidence that Head can be a consistent performer, but it remains to be seen whether the selectors will give him the opportunity to prove himself.

The selection conundrum comes with the third Test at Adelaide looming from December 17-21. While Cummins is still hopeful of returning for Brisbane, Hazlewood's hamstring injury could also put his availability in doubt. The Australian team's record against England with Mitchell Starc taking over the seamer duties has been impressive so far, but it remains to be seen whether Australia will stick with their original bowling attack.

As the Ashes series heats up, the decisions facing the Australian selectors are becoming increasingly important. With Australia leading 1-0 and looking to solidify a dominant position in the series, every move counts – including Cummins' potential return as captain and Head's likely promotion to opening duties.

I'm loving how things are heating up in the Ashes series! I think the selectors should definitely give Travis Head a go as an opener - he's clearly got it in him to perform on the big stage . And yeah, if Pat Cummins is being realistic about his chances of returning for Brisbane, maybe it's time to focus on other options... like Hazlewood or even Cameron Bankes? The team's record with Starc taking over has been sweet, but Australia can't get too comfortable - there's still so much at stake .

man this back injury thing is really putting pat cummins in a tough spot . i feel bad for him 'cause he's been out since july and now he's gotta worry about making it back in time for the next test . it's good that he's being realistic though, can't force a comeback if it's not going to work out .

and yeah, travis head is looking like a dark horse for opening duties . smashing 123 in perth was insane and david warner's confidence in him is pretty telling . but selectors gotta weigh all the options 'n' make tough calls, can't just rush someone into the side if they're not 100% ready .

fingers crossed cummins comes back strong for brisbane tho

I'm getting a bit worried about Pat Cummins' back issue... 10 overs is a pretty big ask for someone who's been dealing with pain since July . I think it's great that he's being realistic about his chances, but the selectors need to weigh up the risks vs the rewards. Travis Head's on fire right now tho 123 from 83 balls is insane! Does he really have a chance of sticking as an opener? The Aussies are looking good against England so far ... fingers crossed Cummins can get back out there and lead by example

Umm, I think this is gonna be a tough one for Aussie selectors... Pat Cummins downgrading his chances of playing 2nd Ashes Test at Brisbane? That's like saying you're only half-heartedly trying out for the starting lineup . Either he's all in or he's not, right? Can't just play it by ear and expect everything to magically fall into place .

And what about Travis Head's rise to fame? 123 off 83 balls is a big deal , but can he keep that up consistently? Aussies love their opening batsmen, so I'm hoping he gets the nod . But at the same time, if Hazlewood's injury is still a thing, it could mess with Head's chances... Decisions are gonna be super tricky for selectors!

I'm thinkin' about this Ashes series and how it's like the real test of leadership . I mean, Cummins downgrades his chances of comin' back for Brisbane... that's like the selectors decidin' to take a step back from the helm . You gotta ask yourself, what's more important - gettin' a certain player back on the field or maintainin' momentum in the series? It's like the difference between bein' proactive and reactive, you know? And then there's Travis Head, he's like the dark horse ... if the selectors give him the go-ahead, could this be the start of somethin' special? Or are they playin' it safe with Steve Smith and Labuschagne? It's a tough call, but I think we're seein' more of these kinds of decisions comin' up in the series... every move counts, and the selectors gotta make 'em count .

I gotta say, I'm loving this Ashes series so far! The Aussie team is on fire! But seriously, Pat Cummins being unsure about his availability for the next test has got me a bit worried . He's been such a crucial player for them, and with their lead now 1-0, it'd be huge to have him back in action. Travis Head's skills are definitely worth considering as an opener, though! I think he's got the potential to be a top batsman for Australia. Fingers crossed Cummins can get his back sorted out and joins the team soon . The selectors will have their work cut out deciding who gets to play and when