The Australian Team Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test Lineup, Possibility Wide Ajar for Cummins’ Return

The starting XI for the second Ashes Test is yet to be decided less than a day before the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a closer look of the Gabba pitch needed before the team management announce a squad that might include the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith fronted an journalists on Wednesday but was not disclosing the final selection of the lineup. Nonetheless, he did not rule out a surprise recall for Cummins, who was forced to miss the first Test due to a back complaint.

“He seems pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” Smith stated. “Of course match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Live Option

The fast bowler was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the second match, but came along to Brisbane to rehabilitate with the team. Smith said he was progressing well and may be drafted in at the final moment.

“The decision is pending but as stated, he’s not far away,” Smith noted. “His rehabilitation has been his work the past few days and we’ll see later today when we inspect that surface whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Selection Conundrums Loom if Cummins Returns

A return to the side for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would mean recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.

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

“Not sure,” he said. “We will assess the wicket as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has excelled in the past, he’s a world-class spinner. We will consider the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has been selected. The batter is the prime option to be included in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to take the opening spot again after his brilliant performance in the first Test.

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

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive player,” Smith said. “Impressed 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 Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to be selected at number six, on the likelihood that Travis Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder shifts to No 5.

Smith indicated a definite call on the team could be made this afternoon, but alternatively, it may wait until the day of the match. The match gets under way at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.