Australia will take an unchanged 14-man squad into the second Test, a decision that positions the team's two Indigenous fast bowlers to retain their places after the series-opening win in Perth.
Six days out from the Gabba day-night Test selectors appear to have resisted the temptation to recall injured captain Pat Cummins, leaving Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett in line to play under lights after contributing to Australia's eight-wicket victory in Perth.
Cummins — one of the world's premier fast bowlers — could still be selected outside despite not being named in the official squad named on Friday, but is expected to be managed carefully as he recovers from a back stress injury, with a return more likely for the Adelaide Test next month.
"Pat Cummins will travel to Brisbane to continue his preparations," a CA statement said on Friday. "The squad assembles in Brisbane from Sunday."
The unchanged squad signals Boland and Doggett remain favoured alongside first Test player-of-the-match Mitchell Starc, unless selectors consider elevating Queensland quick Michael Neser, the reserve quick in the squad.
Doggett impressed in his debut, taking match figures of 5-78, including the key first-innings wicket of top-scorer Harry Brook.
Together with Boland, he became part of the first Indigenous fast-bowling duo to play for Australia in nearly 150 years of Test cricket. The pair combined for nine wickets in the match — seven of them in England's second innings — with Boland leading the effort with 4-33.
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Asked about selection on Thursday, before the squad was confirmed, Doggett said: "There have been no conversations whatsoever. We are soaking in the win and letting everyone get back to their families.
"We arrive in Brisbane on Sunday, so I assume conversations will start there about what the line-up looks like for the second Test," the 31-year-old said.
Reflecting on his debut, he added: "It was a pretty hectic week on and off the field for me."
"Obviously, it was nice to get the win and watch Travis Head go to town in that fourth innings. I didn't imagine it being a two-day Test and Trav scoring a 69-ball hundred but the crowd and atmosphere were amazing and all my friends and family were there to support me. It is what I dreamt of so glad to get that one off my chest."
Boland entered the match under pressure after a difficult 2023 Ashes tour, and his first innings — where he overpitched and conceded more than a run a ball — seemed to offer the English batsman an in to the series.
Former England opener and journalist Michael Atherton predicted pre-series that England would target Boland, arguing his poor 2023 tour made him less threatening to the tourists despite his dominant home record.
England's first-innings approach appeared to confirm that plan, with batters repeatedly driving him down the ground.
However the Gulidjan quick responded with a trademark spell in the second innings, cutting through England's top order. After lunch he removed Ben Duckett (28), Ollie Pope (33) and Harry Brook for a duck in rapid succession, helping Australia seal victory inside two days.
Boland later told Fox Cricket: "I know it's one of those days where you don't feel great at the crease, but put that behind me last night."
"I did want to start a bit fuller yesterday with the new ball, but I think I found my length, my natural length, today. And that worked,' he added.
Australian squad for Brisbane Test: Steve Smith (c), 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.
With AAP
