Australia Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Test Lineup, Possibility Still Open for Cummins’ Comeback

Australia's playing eleven for the second Ashes Test remains unknown less than a day before the first ball in the Gabba, with a closer look of the Gabba pitch required before the hosts finalize a side that might contain the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Recall

Vice-captain Steve Smith fronted an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the precise composition of the lineup. Yet, he left the door open a late inclusion for Cummins, who was forced to miss the first Test due to a back injury.

“He has appeared pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain said. “Of course match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Draft Remains a Live Option

The fast bowler was not initially selected in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to the Gabba to work on his fitness with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was progressing well and might still be included at the last minute.

“The decision is pending but like I said, he’s near,” Smith noted. “He has completed all the right things the recent period and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that wicket whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Team Conundrums Ahead if He Returns

A recall for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a recently, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

Smith did not assure Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the spinner's selection.

“Not sure,” he said. “We need to examine the wicket as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a world-class spinner. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters In Contention for Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has made the team. The player is the leading candidate to be included in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to take the opening spot again after his brilliant performance in Perth.

“Many options are under consideration,” Smith explained. “The decision is pending what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a positive player,” Smith added. “Impressed on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in really good form... He handles pace very well. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Pending

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

Smith said a official announcement on the team is possible before the day ends, but equally it could be delayed until the Thursday. Play begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.