Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test XI, Possibility Wide Open for Cummins’ Return

The playing eleven for the next Test match is yet to be decided under 24 hours out from the first ball in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch needed before the Australian selectors announce a squad that could still feature their captain.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Recall

Acting skipper Steve Smith addressed an expectant media on Wednesday but was keeping quiet about the precise composition of the team. Nonetheless, he kept the possibility alive a shock return for Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back issue.

“He’s looked quite impressive to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” the stand-in captain stated. “Of course match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he is aware of his condition.”

Late Draft Still a Possibility

The quick was not initially selected in Australia’s extended squad for the next encounter, but still travelled to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the team. Smith said he was progressing well and might still be drafted in at the final moment.

“It's a waiting game but as I mentioned, he’s not far away,” Smith added. “He has completed everything really well the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we inspect that wicket whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Selection Conundrums Loom if Cummins Returns

A comeback for Cummins, which was in doubt just a short time back, 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 asked about the off-spinner’s inclusion.

“Uncertain,” he replied. “We need to examine the surface as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the previous matches, he’s a quality bowler. We’ll weigh up the options and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has been selected. The player is the leading candidate to be included in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to open the batting again after his century in the first Test.

“A heap of things are on the table,” Smith said. “It's a matter of waiting what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith said. “Impressed on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in really good form... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Timeline

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in the mix to earn a recall at number six, on the assumption that Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and Cam Green shifts to number five.

Smith indicated a final decision on the team is possible before the day ends, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. The match begins at the Gabba at two in the afternoon (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.