Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test XI, Door Wide Open for Cummins’ Comeback

Australia's lineup for the second Ashes Test is yet to be decided just hours before the first ball in the Gabba, with a further inspection of the wicket necessary before the hosts announce a side that might include their captain.

Stand-in Captain Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the final selection of the team. However, he did not rule out a shock return for Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back complaint.

“He has appeared pretty good to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” the stand-in captain stated. “Naturally games are different intensity, but he’s progressing very well, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Draft Remains a Possibility

The quick was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the second match, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the group. Smith said he was on the right track and may be included at the last minute.

“The decision is pending but as stated, he’s not far away,” the captain noted. “His rehabilitation has been his work the last little bit and we’ll see this afternoon when we assess that surface whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Conundrums Ahead if He Plays

A recall for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would result in Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Not sure,” he said. “We’ll look at the pitch as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has excelled in the previous matches, he’s a world-class spinner. We’ll weigh up the options and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the frontrunner to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to take the opening spot again after his heroics in the first Test.

“A heap of things are under consideration,” Smith explained. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll decide on a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive batsman,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He faces quicks exceptionally. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Final Call Timeline

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is in the mix to earn a recall at number six, on the assumption that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder moves up to number five.

Smith indicated a definite call on the team could be made this afternoon, but it might also be postponed until the Thursday. The match gets under way at the Gabba at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.