Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test XI, Door Still Open for Pat Cummins' Return

The lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery less than a day out from the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch required before the hosts name a side that could still include the fast bowler.

Acting Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Recall

Vice-captain Steve Smith addressed an journalists on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the team. Yet, he kept the possibility alive a shock return for Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back injury.

“He’s looked pretty good to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” Smith stated. “Of course the game is different, but he’s progressing very well, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Still a Live Option

The pace spearhead was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the second match, but came along to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the rest of the squad. Smith indicated he was progressing well and may be drafted in at the final moment.

“The decision is pending but as I mentioned, he’s near,” the captain added. “His rehabilitation has been his work the past few days and we’ll see later today when we assess that surface whether he’s in contention or not.”

Team Conundrums Loom if He Plays

A comeback for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a recently, would lead to recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Undecided,” he replied. “We’ll look at the wicket as I said and sum things up from there. This is a ground Nathan has performed brilliantly in the previous matches, he’s a quality bowler. We will consider the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters In Contention for Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to wait to learn whether he has been selected. The batter is the prime option to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to open the batting again after his heroics in the first Test.

“Many options are being discussed,” Smith commented. “The decision is pending what the pitch is like and from there we’ll determine a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking player,” Smith added. “Did really well on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He plays fast bowling very well. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Call Timeline

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

Smith indicated a definite call on the XI might come this afternoon, but alternatively, it may wait until the morning of the Test. The Test gets under way at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.