The Ashes, 2nd Test preview: Team news, probable XIs, pitch report, weather forecast and where to watch

If the opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series is any indicator, we are in for an explosive time. Sure, the Perth Test didn't even last two days but the amount of entertainment and thrills were stupendous. The spicy surface did raise eyebrows but it was also a track that eased out a fraction although batting still wasn't as easy as Travis Head made it seem in his second innings.

Team news

Australia

Australia have all the momentum after taking the series lead in Perth but it could have gone wrong for them if not for Head's masterclass. With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood unavailable, the onus was on Mitchell Starc to deliver and the left-arm seamer did just that, producing a sensational ten-wicket match haul with good support from the relentless Scott Boland.

With Cummins and Hazlewood unavailable yet again, Starc and Boland will need to do deliver the goods once more in Brisbane. It helps that the left-arm pacer has unprecedented stats in day-night Tests. There is a cloud hanging over Usman Khawaja's fitness but the southpaw is trying his hardest to feature in his hometown Ashes fixture.

Australia are likely to field the same XI that played at Perth, unless Khawaja fails the last-minute fitness test. In such a scenario, the think tank would field all-rounder Beau Webster and Head would continue to open the innings, as he did at Perth. Whether he will continue even in Khawaja's absence, remains to be seen. Australia might also think about local boy Michael Neser for Brendan Doggett.

England

England would rue the lost opportunities in the first Test. They had Australia for the taking but like Ben Stokes' side have done so often in the 'Bazball era', self-destructed to hand the game on a platter to the home side. The fitness of their pace attack also came in for criticism, given that their average speeds were far lower in the second innings when compared to the first.

The injury to Mark Wood means that one change will be forced upon the visitors. They could opt for another quick bowler in Josh Tongue who also adds extra bounce as an x-factor. However, the dilemma for the Englishmen will be about whether they have enough batting to counter the Aussies in a day-night fixture.

The visitors are likely to keep the same top-seven for the second Test but might ponder about adding Will Jacks who would be a defensive option in these conditions. He would definitely lengthen the batting department and can bowl useful off-spin when needed. However, this move would also make England's bowling attack thinner, and could increase the workload on Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson.

Probable XIs

Australia: Usman Khawaja/Beau Webster, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith(c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett/Michael Neser

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(wk), Will Jacks/Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse

Pitch report

The surface in Brisbane is expected to have a fair amount of pace and carry for the fast bowlers. The softer ball could be relatively easier to deal with for the batters, but the twilight period and night session will once again be a challenge. Especially if the new ball is in action.

Weather report

Afternoons are expected to be warmer in Brisbane with high levels of humidity but the evenings do get cooler and this will help the pitch to also quicken up a bit. No rain is forecast for the first four days but the final day could see light showers.

Where to watch

The Ashes series is being telecast on the Star Sports Network and can be streamed on JioHotstar.