Australia Remains Cagey on Second Ashes Test XI, Possibility Still Ajar for Cummins’ Comeback

Australia's lineup for the next Test match remains unknown under 24 hours before the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the wicket necessary before the team management announce a team that may yet contain their captain.

Stand-in Captain Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Return

Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an journalists on Wednesday but was keeping quiet about the final selection of the team. Nonetheless, he did not rule out a shock return for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back issue.

“He seems pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” Smith said. “Naturally games are different intensity, but he’s tracking really nicely, he is aware of his condition.”

Late Inclusion Still a Possibility

The quick was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the second match, but came along to Brisbane to rehabilitate with the group. Smith indicated he was improving nicely and might still be included at the final moment.

“The decision is pending but like I said, he’s not far away,” the captain continued. “He has completed all the right things the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we look at that pitch whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Team Dilemmas Loom if Cummins Returns

A recall for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a few days ago, would lead to Perth debutant 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 said. “We’ll look at the pitch as I said and sum things up from there. This is a ground Nathan has excelled in the previous matches, he’s a quality bowler. We must evaluate 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 batter is the frontrunner to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to open the batting again after his heroics in the first Test.

“Many options are under consideration,” Smith said. “It's a matter of waiting what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a positive batsman,” Smith added. “Did really well on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in excellent touch... He faces quicks exceptionally. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Call Timeline

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to return to the side at number six, on the likelihood that Travis Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder shifts to No 5.

Smith noted a official announcement on the XI is possible this afternoon, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. The Test begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.