Australia Remains Cagey on Second Test Lineup, Door Wide Open for Pat Cummins' Return

The playing eleven for the second Ashes Test is yet to be decided under 24 hours out from the first ball in the Gabba, with a closer look of the Gabba pitch needed before the Australian selectors finalize a team that might feature Pat Cummins.

Acting Captain Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return

Vice-captain Steve Smith fronted an waiting press on Wednesday but was keeping quiet about the precise composition of the team. Yet, he did not rule out a late inclusion for Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back issue.

“He seems pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain said. “Of course the game is different, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”

Late Draft Still a Possibility

The pace spearhead was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the second match, but nonetheless went to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was improving nicely and might still be included at the 11th hour.

“The decision is pending but as stated, he’s close,” the captain continued. “He has completed everything really well the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that wicket whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if Cummins Returns

A return to the side for Cummins, which was in doubt just a short time back, would mean recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Undecided,” he replied. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and sum things up from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the previous matches, he’s a world-class spinner. We’ll weigh up the options and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has made the team. The batter is the prime option to come into the XI in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head likely to take the opening spot again after his heroics in Perth.

“Many options are on the table,” Smith commented. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith added. “Did really well on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He handles pace exceptionally. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Final Decision Pending

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to be selected at number six, on the likelihood that Travis Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder shifts to number five.

Smith indicated a definite call on the lineup might come before the day ends, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. The Test starts at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at two in the afternoon (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.