Australia Remains Cagey on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Door Still Open for Cummins’ Return

Australia's lineup for the next Test match is still a mystery just hours out from the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a closer look of the Gabba pitch required before the Australian selectors name a side that could still contain the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith fronted an waiting press on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the exact make-up of the XI. Yet, he did not rule out a surprise recall for Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back issue.

“He seems pretty good to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” Smith remarked. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s progressing very well, he is aware of his condition.”

Late Inclusion Remains a Possibility

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 said he was progressing well and may be called up at the last minute.

“It's a waiting game but as I mentioned, he’s not far away,” Smith noted. “He has completed his work the last little bit and we’ll see after three o’clock when we look at that surface whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Selection Conundrums Ahead if He Returns

A recall for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would mean recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Undecided,” he responded. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a top performer. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The player is the prime option to be included in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to take the opening spot again after his heroics in Perth.

“A heap of things are on the table,” Smith said. “We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll finalize a final team.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive batsman,” Smith added. “Did really well on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He faces quicks exceptionally. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Call Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is in the mix to earn a recall at No 6, on the expectation that Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder is promoted to No 5.

Smith noted a definite call on the XI might come this afternoon, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. Play begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at two in the afternoon (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.