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

Australia's playing eleven for the next Test match is yet to be decided less than a day out from the first ball in Brisbane, with a further inspection of the wicket needed before the Australian selectors name a side that may yet feature the fast bowler.

Acting Captain Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return

Vice-captain Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the precise composition of the XI. However, he left the door open a late inclusion for Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back complaint.

“He has appeared pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Naturally match intensity differs, but he’s progressing very well, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Live Option

The pace spearhead was initially left out in Australia’s extended squad for the second match, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the team. Smith said he was improving nicely and may be included at the 11th hour.

“We’ll wait and see but as I mentioned, he’s near,” Smith continued. “His rehabilitation has been his work the recent period and we’ll see after three o’clock when we inspect that surface whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Conundrums Loom if He Plays

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

Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when asked about the off-spinner’s inclusion.

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

Batters In Contention for Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has made the team. The batter is the frontrunner to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to take the opening spot again after his brilliant performance in Perth.

“Many options are under consideration,” Smith explained. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll finalize a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He handles pace very well. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Call Timeline

In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is in the mix to be selected at No 6, on the expectation that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green moves up to number five.

Smith indicated a definite call on the XI might come before the day ends, but equally it could be delayed until the Thursday. The Test begins at the Gabba at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.