Australia Remains Cagey on Second Test XI, Door Still Ajar for Cummins’ Return

Australia's playing eleven for the next Test match remains unknown just hours before the first ball in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the wicket required before the Australian selectors finalize a team that might feature their captain.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Recall

Vice-captain Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on Wednesday but was keeping quiet about the final selection of the lineup. Nonetheless, he left the door open a late inclusion for Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back injury.

“He seems pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain stated. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”

Late Draft Remains a Possibility

The fast bowler was not initially selected in Australia’s 15-man squad for the next encounter, but came along to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the group. Smith said he was progressing well and may be called up at the 11th hour.

“The decision is pending but as I mentioned, he’s close,” Smith added. “He has completed all the right things the recent period and we’ll see this afternoon when we look at that pitch whether he’s in contention or not.”

Team Conundrums Ahead if He Plays

A recall for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a short time back, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Not sure,” he said. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has performed brilliantly in the history, he’s a quality bowler. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has made the team. The player is the prime option to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to open the batting again after his brilliant performance in the first Test.

“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith added. “Impressed on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He handles pace really nicely. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Call Timeline

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to return to the side at No 6, on the likelihood that Travis Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and Cam Green is promoted to number five.

Smith noted a final decision on the team is possible before the day ends, but alternatively, it may wait until the morning of the Test. The Test begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.