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

The lineup for the next Test match is still a mystery less than a day out from the match start in the Gabba, with a closer look of the wicket required before the Australian selectors announce a squad that might include their captain.

Stand-in Skipper Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an journalists on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the exact make-up of the XI. Nonetheless, he left the door open a shock return for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back injury.

“He seems pretty good to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” Smith stated. “Obviously the game is different, but he’s coming along well, he is aware of his condition.”

Late Draft Still a Live Option

The pace spearhead was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but still travelled to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was on the right track and might still be called up at the final moment.

“The decision is pending but as I mentioned, he’s close,” the captain added. “His rehabilitation has been his work the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that wicket whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Team Dilemmas Loom if He Returns

A return to the side for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would lead to recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

Smith would not confirm Lyon’s place in the team when questioned about the spinner's selection.

“Undecided,” he replied. “We need to examine the wicket as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the history, he’s a top performer. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has made the team. The player is the frontrunner to be included in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to take the opening spot again after his brilliant performance in the first Test.

“A heap of things are under consideration,” Smith said. “It's a matter of waiting what the wicket is like and from there we’ll decide on a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Call Pending

In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to be selected at number six, on the likelihood that Travis Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to No 5.

Smith indicated a definite call on the XI is possible this afternoon, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. The match starts at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.