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

The lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test is yet to be decided under 24 hours out from the first ball in Brisbane, with a closer look of the Gabba pitch needed before the hosts finalize a team that might contain Pat Cummins.

Stand-in Skipper Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith addressed an waiting press on Wednesday but was keeping quiet about the precise composition of the lineup. Nonetheless, he kept the possibility alive a shock return for Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back complaint.

“He’s looked very sharp to me, the way he’s performed in training,” Smith stated. “Obviously games are different intensity, but he’s progressing very well, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Live Option

The fast bowler was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but nonetheless went to the Gabba to work on his fitness with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was on the right track and might still be drafted in at the final moment.

“It's a waiting game but as I mentioned, he’s near,” the captain noted. “He’s done his work the past few days and we’ll see this afternoon when we look at that wicket whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Conundrums Ahead if Cummins Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a recently, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the spinner's selection.

“Not sure,” he responded. “We’ll look at the surface as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a top performer. We’ll weigh up the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Selection

Josh Inglis will also have to wait to learn whether he has been selected. The batter is the leading candidate to come into the XI in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to open the batting again after his brilliant performance in Perth.

“Many options 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 clearly a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He handles pace very well. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Final Decision Timeline

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to earn a recall at No 6, on the assumption that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green shifts to number five.

Smith noted a official announcement on the team could be made this afternoon, but alternatively, it may wait until the Thursday. The match begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.