Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test XI, Door Wide Ajar for Cummins’ Comeback

The starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery less than a day out from the first ball in Brisbane, with a closer look of the Gabba pitch needed before the Australian selectors name a team that might include their captain.

Stand-in Skipper Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith spoke to an expectant media on Wednesday but was keeping quiet about the final selection of the lineup. Yet, he did not rule out a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back complaint.

“He’s looked quite impressive to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” Smith stated. “Obviously the game is different, but he’s tracking really nicely, he is aware of his condition.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The pace spearhead was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the second match, but came along to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the rest of the squad. Smith indicated he was on the right track and could yet be called up at the final moment.

“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s close,” Smith added. “His rehabilitation has been everything really well the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we inspect that wicket whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Ahead if Cummins Returns

A return to the side for Cummins, which was in doubt just a few days ago, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Not sure,” he replied. “We’ll look at the wicket as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has excelled in the previous matches, he’s a quality bowler. We must evaluate the options and see how we go.”

Batters In Contention for Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has made the team. The batter is the leading candidate to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to open the batting again after his century in the first Test.

“Several scenarios are under consideration,” Smith commented. “It's a matter of waiting what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a positive batsman,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in really good form... He faces quicks exceptionally. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Call Timeline

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to be selected at number six, on the assumption that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green is promoted to No 5.

Smith indicated a definite call on the team could be made later on Wednesday, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. The match begins at the Gabba at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.