The Australian Team Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Possibility Wide Open for Pat Cummins' Comeback

The starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test remains unknown less than a day out from the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a closer look of the Gabba pitch needed before the hosts finalize a squad that could still contain the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return

Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the exact make-up of the team. However, he kept the possibility alive a late inclusion for Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back injury.

“He’s looked very sharp to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Naturally match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Possibility

The pace spearhead was initially left out in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but nonetheless went to the Gabba to work on his fitness with the group. Smith said he was progressing well and may be called up at the 11th hour.

“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s near,” Smith added. “He has completed everything really well the last little bit and we’ll see this afternoon when we look at that surface whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if He Plays

A recall for Cummins, which was in doubt just a short time back, would lead to Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon losing their place.

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

“Not sure,” he said. “We’ll look at the wicket as I said and sum things up from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a top performer. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has been selected. The player is the prime option to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head expected to take the opening spot again after his heroics in the first Test.

“Several scenarios are under consideration,” Smith explained. “It's a matter of waiting what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive player,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He faces quicks exceptionally. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Call Pending

In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to be selected at number six, on the likelihood that Travis Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and Cam Green is promoted to number five.

Smith indicated a definite call on the lineup is possible later on Wednesday, but alternatively, it may wait until the morning of the Test. Play begins at the Gabba at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.