Australia Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Door Still Ajar for Pat Cummins' Return

The starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery just hours before the match start in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the wicket necessary before the Australian selectors finalize a team that might include the fast bowler.

Acting Captain Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on Wednesday but was not disclosing the final selection of the team. Yet, he did not rule out a shock return 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 been bowling in practice,” Smith stated. “Obviously the game is different, but he’s tracking really nicely, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Live Option

The quick was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the second match, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to rehabilitate with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was improving nicely and might still be included at the last minute.

“The decision is pending but like I said, he’s near,” the captain noted. “He’s done all the right things the past few days and we’ll see later today when we assess that pitch whether he’s in contention or not.”

Team Dilemmas Loom if He Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which was in doubt just a recently, would lead to recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

Smith did not assure Lyon’s place in the team when asked about the off-spinner’s selection.

“Uncertain,” he replied. “We need to examine the wicket as I said and sum things up from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the previous matches, he’s a top performer. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Selection

Josh Inglis will also have to wait to learn whether he has made the team. The player is the frontrunner to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to take the opening spot again after his heroics in Perth.

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

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive player,” Smith said. “Impressed on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He handles pace really nicely. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Pending

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is in the mix to return to the side at No 6, on the expectation that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder moves up to number five.

Smith indicated a definite call on the XI might come this afternoon, but alternatively, it may wait until the Thursday. Play gets under way at the Gabba at two in the afternoon (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.