Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Possibility Wide Open for Cummins’ Return

Australia's playing eleven for the upcoming Brisbane Test is yet to be decided under 24 hours before the first ball in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch required before the team management finalize a squad that may yet feature Pat Cummins.

Stand-in Skipper Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Return

Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the final selection of the team. However, he did not rule out a late inclusion for Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back injury.

“He’s looked very sharp to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” Smith said. “Of course match intensity differs, but he’s progressing very well, he knows his body well.”

Late Draft Remains a Possibility

The pace spearhead was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but nonetheless went to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the rest of the squad. Smith said he was on the right track and could yet be called up at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as stated, he’s near,” Smith noted. “He has completed his work the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Conundrums Ahead if Cummins Returns

A comeback for Cummins, which was in doubt just a short time back, would result in Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon being omitted.

Smith would not confirm Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the off-spinner’s selection.

“Not sure,” he said. “We need to examine the surface as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a top performer. We’ll weigh up the options and see how we go.”

Batters In Contention for Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has been selected. The batter is the leading candidate to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to open the batting again after his brilliant performance in the first Test.

“Many options are being discussed,” Smith said. “We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll finalize a lineup.”

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

Final Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to earn a recall at No 6, on the assumption that Travis Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and Cam Green moves up to number five.

Smith indicated a final decision on the team is possible later on Wednesday, but it might also be postponed until the Thursday. The match starts at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at two in the afternoon (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.