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

The lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery under 24 hours before the match start in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch necessary before the team management finalize a side that could still feature their captain.

Acting Skipper Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith addressed an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the final selection of the XI. Nonetheless, he left the door open a surprise recall for Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back injury.

“He has appeared quite impressive to me, the way he’s performed in training,” Smith said. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Live Option

The fast bowler was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the next encounter, but still travelled to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the team. Smith confirmed he was progressing well and could yet be drafted in at the final moment.

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

Selection Dilemmas Ahead if He Returns

A return to the side for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a few days ago, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Uncertain,” he replied. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and sum things up from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a world-class spinner. We’ll weigh up the choices and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Selection

Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The player is the leading candidate to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to open the batting again after his century in Perth.

“Many options are on the table,” Smith explained. “The decision is pending what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive player,” Smith added. “Did really well on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Final Call Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in the mix to return to the side at number six, on the likelihood that Travis Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder moves up to number five.

Smith indicated a final decision on the XI is possible before the day ends, but equally it could be delayed until the day of the match. The Test begins at the Gabba at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.