The Australian Team Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Possibility Still Open for Cummins’ Return

Australia's playing eleven for the second Ashes Test is still a mystery under 24 hours before the first ball in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the playing surface necessary before the team management announce a team that could still contain Pat Cummins.

Acting Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Return

Vice-captain Steve Smith addressed an waiting press on Wednesday but was keeping quiet about the final selection of the team. However, he left the door open a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back injury.

“He seems pretty good to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain said. “Obviously games are different intensity, but he’s progressing very well, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Possibility

The pace spearhead was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but came along to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the rest of the squad. Smith indicated he was progressing well and could yet be included at the last minute.

“We’ll wait and see but as stated, he’s near,” Smith noted. “His rehabilitation has been everything really well the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we inspect that pitch whether he’s in contention or not.”

Team Conundrums Ahead if He Returns

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

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

“Uncertain,” he said. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the previous matches, he’s a world-class spinner. We must evaluate the alternatives 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 come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to take the opening spot again after his century in the first Test.

“Several scenarios are being discussed,” Smith said. “We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive batsman,” Smith said. “Impressed on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Final Call Timeline

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is in the mix to be selected at number six, on the expectation that Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to number five.

Smith said a definite call on the lineup is possible later on Wednesday, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. The match begins at the Gabba at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.