Australia Remains Cagey on Second Test Lineup, Door Still Open for Pat Cummins' Comeback

Australia's playing eleven for the second Ashes Test remains unknown under 24 hours before the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the wicket required before the Australian selectors name a team that could still include the fast bowler.

Acting Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith fronted an waiting press on Wednesday but was not disclosing the final selection of the XI. Yet, he did not rule out a late inclusion for Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back injury.

“He has appeared pretty good to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Of course match intensity differs, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Live Option

The quick was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the second match, but came along to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was improving nicely and could yet be included at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as stated, he’s not far away,” Smith added. “His rehabilitation has been everything really well the last little bit and we’ll see after three o’clock when we look at that pitch whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if Cummins Plays

A recall for Cummins, which was in doubt just a recently, would result in Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.

Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the spinner's inclusion.

“Not sure,” he responded. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has excelled in the past, he’s a world-class spinner. We will consider the choices and see how we go.”

Batters In Contention for Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has earned a recall. The player is the leading candidate to come into the XI in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to take the opening spot again after his brilliant performance in the first Test.

“A heap of things are on the table,” Smith commented. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll finalize a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking player,” Smith said. “Did really well on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in excellent touch... He faces quicks exceptionally. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Call Timeline

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to return to the side at number six, on the assumption that Travis Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and Cam Green moves up to No 5.

Smith said a official announcement on the team might come before the day ends, but alternatively, it may wait until the Thursday. Play begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.