Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test Lineup, Door Still Ajar for Pat Cummins' Comeback

The lineup for the second Ashes Test is still a mystery just hours before the match start in Brisbane, with a further inspection of the playing surface necessary before the Australian selectors finalize a team that could still contain Pat Cummins.

Acting Skipper Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an waiting press on Wednesday but was not disclosing the precise composition of the team. Yet, he left the door open a late inclusion for Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back complaint.

“He’s looked pretty good to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain said. “Naturally the game is different, but he’s progressing very well, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Live Option

The pace spearhead was not initially selected in Australia’s 15-man squad for the second match, but still travelled to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the group. Smith indicated he was progressing well and may be included at the last minute.

“The decision is pending but as stated, he’s close,” Smith noted. “His rehabilitation has been everything really well the recent period and we’ll see later today when we inspect that wicket whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if He Plays

A recall for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.

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

“Undecided,” he replied. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and make a decision from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the history, he’s a top performer. We’ll weigh up the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batsmen 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 be included in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to take the opening spot again after his brilliant performance in Perth.

“A heap of things are on the table,” Smith said. “The decision is pending what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive player,” Smith said. “Impressed on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling exceptionally. 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 earn a recall at number six, on the expectation that Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder shifts to No 5.

Smith noted a official announcement on the team might come before the day ends, but alternatively, it may wait until the morning of the Test. Play starts at the Gabba at two in the afternoon (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.