Australia Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Possibility Still Open for Pat Cummins' Comeback

Australia's lineup for the second Ashes Test remains unknown just hours before the first ball in the Gabba, with a further inspection of the playing surface necessary before the hosts finalize a team that could still feature the fast bowler.

Stand-in Skipper Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith addressed an journalists on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the exact make-up of the XI. Nonetheless, he did not rule out a surprise recall for Cummins, who was ruled out of 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 said. “Obviously the game is different, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”

Late Draft Still a Possibility

The fast bowler was not initially selected in Australia’s extended squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the team. Smith indicated he was progressing well and may be drafted in at the final moment.

“The decision is pending but as I mentioned, he’s not far away,” Smith added. “He’s done his work the recent period and we’ll see after three o’clock when we inspect that pitch whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Ahead if Cummins Returns

A return to the side for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a few days ago, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Undecided,” he said. “We’ll look at the surface as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has excelled in the history, he’s a quality bowler. We will consider the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The player is the prime option to be included in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to take the opening spot again after his heroics in Perth.

“A heap of things are on the table,” Smith said. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll finalize a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive player,” Smith said. “Did really well on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He faces quicks really nicely. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Final Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in the mix to be selected at No 6, on the expectation that Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder moves up to number five.

Smith indicated a official announcement on the XI is possible this afternoon, but it might also be postponed until the Thursday. Play begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.