The Australian Team Remains Cagey on Second Test Lineup, Possibility Still Ajar for Cummins’ Return

The playing eleven for the next Test match remains unknown just hours out from the match start in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch necessary before the team management announce a squad that may yet include Pat Cummins.

Acting Skipper Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Recall

Acting skipper Steve Smith fronted an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the final selection of the lineup. However, he left the door open a shock return for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back complaint.

“He’s looked quite impressive to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Obviously games are different intensity, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The fast bowler was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the Brisbane Test, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the group. Smith said he was progressing well and might still be drafted in at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as stated, he’s near,” Smith continued. “He has completed all the right things the last little bit and we’ll see later today when we inspect that surface whether he’s in contention or not.”

Team Conundrums Loom if Cummins Plays

A comeback for Cummins, which was in doubt just a short time back, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.

Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the spinner's inclusion.

“Undecided,” he replied. “We will assess the wicket as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a world-class spinner. We’ll weigh up the choices 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 leading candidate to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to open the batting again after his heroics in Perth.

“Several scenarios are under consideration,” Smith commented. “It's a matter of waiting what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive player,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He handles pace really nicely. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Final Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is in the mix to return to the side at No 6, on the expectation that Travis Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder shifts to No 5.

Smith said a definite call on the team is possible later on Wednesday, but equally it could be delayed until the Thursday. Play gets under way at the Gabba at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.