Australia Stays Cagey on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Possibility Still Ajar for Pat Cummins' Return

The starting XI for the next Test match is yet to be decided just hours before the match start in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch required before the hosts finalize a team that could still feature Pat Cummins.

Stand-in Captain Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith addressed an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the lineup. However, he did not rule out a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back issue.

“He has appeared quite impressive to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Obviously games are different intensity, but he’s coming along well, he understands his fitness.”

Late Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The quick was initially left out in Australia’s extended squad for the second match, but nonetheless went to the Gabba to work on his fitness with the group. Smith confirmed he was improving nicely and could yet be called up at the final moment.

“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s close,” the captain continued. “His rehabilitation has been all the right things the last little bit and we’ll see this afternoon when we inspect that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Dilemmas Loom if He Returns

A return to the side for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a recently, would result in Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Uncertain,” he responded. “We need to examine the surface as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a quality bowler. We’ll weigh up the choices and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The player is the frontrunner to come into the XI in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to take the opening spot again after his century in the first Test.

“Many options are under consideration,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll decide on a final team.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive player,” Smith said. “Impressed on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He faces quicks very well. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Timeline

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to return to the side 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 lineup might come later on Wednesday, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. The Test begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at two in the afternoon (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.