The Australian Team Stays Cagey on Second Test Lineup, Door Still Open for Pat Cummins' Return

The playing eleven for the second Ashes Test remains unknown less than a day before the match start in Brisbane, with a further inspection of the Gabba pitch needed before the team management announce a side that could still contain the fast bowler.

Stand-in Captain Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Return

Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an journalists on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the exact make-up of the team. Nonetheless, he left the door open a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was forced to miss the first Test due to a back issue.

“He’s looked very sharp to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

Late Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The quick was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but came along to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the rest of the squad. Smith indicated he was progressing well and may be drafted in at the 11th hour.

“We’ll wait and see but as I mentioned, he’s near,” the captain noted. “His rehabilitation has been everything really well the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we look at that wicket whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Conundrums Ahead if Cummins Returns

A comeback for Cummins, which was in doubt just a few days ago, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

Smith did not assure Lyon’s place in the team when asked about the spinner's selection.

“Undecided,” he said. “We need to examine the surface as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the history, he’s a quality bowler. We will consider the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to wait to learn whether he has made the team. The player is the prime option to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to open the batting again after his brilliant performance in the first Test.

“Several scenarios are being discussed,” Smith explained. “It's a matter of waiting what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith added. “Impressed on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He plays fast bowling very well. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Final Call Timeline

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to earn a recall at number six, on the assumption that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder shifts to number five.

Smith indicated a final decision on the team is possible this afternoon, but alternatively, it may wait until the Thursday. The Test gets under way at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at two in the afternoon (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.