Australia Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Possibility Still Open for Pat Cummins' Comeback

The starting XI for the next Test match is still a mystery just hours out from the match start in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the playing surface needed before the hosts finalize a team that could still contain the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Return

Vice-captain Steve Smith spoke to an expectant media on Wednesday but was keeping quiet about the exact make-up of the team. However, he kept the possibility alive a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was forced to miss the series opener due to a back complaint.

“He has appeared quite impressive to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain said. “Of course games are different intensity, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Draft Remains a Live Option

The quick was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the second match, but came along to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the group. Smith confirmed he was improving nicely and might still be drafted in at the final moment.

“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s near,” the captain continued. “He’s done everything really well the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we look at that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if Cummins Returns

A recall for Cummins, which was in doubt just a recently, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

Smith would not confirm Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the off-spinner’s inclusion.

“Uncertain,” he responded. “We’ll look at the surface as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the previous matches, he’s a quality bowler. We’ll weigh up the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The player is the leading candidate to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head likely to take the opening spot again after his brilliant performance in the first Test.

“A heap of things are being discussed,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith said. “Did really well on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He plays fast bowling exceptionally. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to return to the side at No 6, on the assumption that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to No 5.

Smith indicated a final decision on the team could be made later on Wednesday, but alternatively, it may wait until the Thursday. The match begins at the Gabba at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.