Australia is off to a red-hot start in the second Ashes Test against England, with the visitors winning the toss and electing to bat amid a number of big selection calls.
Stand-in skipper Steve Smith was joined by selector George Bailey and coach Andrew McDonald in the middle for a final pitch inspection on Thursday afternoon, before locking in the 11 to face their arch-rivals.
Ultimately, Pat Cummins will not make a shock comeback from injury, while Josh Inglis has replaced Usman Khawaja in the side.
Watch The Ashes 2025/26 LIVE and ad-break free during play with FOX CRICKET on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Both Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser were seen marking their run ups at the Gabba, in what was also the first sign Australia would unleash an all-out pace attack at the expense of 140-Test veteran Nathan Lyon.

Follow all the action in our live blog. If you can’t see it click HERE
Australia XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer
MATCH CENTRE: Australia vs England 2nd Test live scores, stats, teams
The inclusion of Michael Neser on his home turf was a significant shock, but his presence has allowed Australian captain Steve Smith the luxury of reverting to a form of normality.
With Cummins and Josh Hazlewood missing the first two Tests, Smith turned to Victorian star Scott Boland to open the bowling in the opening match in Perth last month alongside first over specialist Mitchell Starc.
While the left-armed bowler was superb, it misfired for Boland, who has usually come on at first change when bowling for Australia.
The Victorian was off his length and struggled for rhythm in Perth in the first innings, but he did bounce back to form in the second innings when securing four wickets.
But with Neser earning a recall on his home soil, Smith opted for the Queenslander to open the bowling alongside Starc and it could be argued he should already have a wicket.
Whether the Aussies come to regret their failure to review what appeared to be an edge from Zak Crawley remains to be seen, with a delivery from Neser in the second innings appearing to catch an edge. But it means Boland will be used at first change rather than opening the bowling.