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

The starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test remains unknown less than a day out from the first ball in Brisbane, with a closer look of the playing surface necessary before the team management finalize a team that might contain Pat Cummins.

Stand-in Captain Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith fronted an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the exact make-up of the team. Nonetheless, he left the door open a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back injury.

“He’s looked pretty good to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Naturally the game is different, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Still a Live Option

The pace spearhead was not initially selected in Australia’s 15-man squad for the next encounter, but still travelled to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the group. Smith indicated he was improving nicely and might still be called up at the 11th hour.

“We’ll wait and see but as I mentioned, he’s not far away,” the captain added. “He has completed everything really well the recent period and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that surface whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Conundrums Loom if He Plays

A recall for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a recently, would mean recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when questioned about the spinner's selection.

“Not sure,” he replied. “We need to examine the wicket as I said and make a decision from there. This is a ground Nathan has excelled in the past, he’s a world-class spinner. We will consider the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has been selected. The player is the frontrunner to come into the XI in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head expected to take the opening spot again after his brilliant performance in Perth.

“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith commented. “It's a matter of waiting what the wicket is like and from there we’ll finalize a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive batsman,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He handles pace exceptionally. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Call Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to return to the side at number six, on the expectation that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder shifts to No 5.

Smith noted a definite call on the lineup could be made before the day ends, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. The match begins at the Gabba at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.