Australia Stays Cagey on Second Test Lineup, Door Still Open for Cummins’ Comeback

Australia's lineup for the second Ashes Test remains unknown just hours before the match start in the Gabba, with a further inspection of the wicket needed before the hosts announce a squad that might feature Pat Cummins.

Stand-in Skipper Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the XI. Nonetheless, he left the door open a surprise recall for Cummins, who was forced to miss the first Test due to a back injury.

“He seems pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Obviously the game is different, but he’s progressing very well, he understands his fitness.”

Late Draft Remains a Live Option

The fast bowler was initially left out in Australia’s extended squad for the Brisbane Test, but came along to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the group. Smith confirmed he was improving nicely and might still be drafted in at the last minute.

“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s close,” Smith noted. “He’s done all the right things the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if He Returns

A comeback for Cummins, which was in doubt just a few days ago, would lead to recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Undecided,” he said. “We need to examine the wicket as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the history, he’s a top performer. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to wait to learn whether he has been selected. The batter is the frontrunner to be included in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to open the batting again after his heroics in Perth.

“A heap of things are being discussed,” Smith commented. “It's a matter of waiting what the wicket is like and from there we’ll finalize a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a pretty attacking player,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling very well. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Final Decision Timeline

In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is in the mix to return to the side at number six, on the likelihood that Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder is promoted to number five.

Smith indicated a definite call on the team might come before the day ends, but alternatively, it may wait until the morning of the Test. The match begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.