Australia Remains Cagey on Second Test Lineup, Possibility Wide Ajar for Pat Cummins' Return

The starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery under 24 hours before the match start in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch required before the hosts announce a squad that could still feature their captain.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Recall

Vice-captain Steve Smith fronted an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the exact make-up of the XI. Nonetheless, he left the door open a late inclusion for Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back injury.

“He’s looked pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” Smith remarked. “Of course the game is different, but he’s tracking really nicely, he is aware of his condition.”

Late Draft Remains a Possibility

The quick was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the group. Smith confirmed he was improving nicely and may be included at the last minute.

“The decision is pending but as I mentioned, he’s near,” Smith added. “He has completed everything really well the past few days and we’ll see this afternoon when we assess that surface whether he’s in contention or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if He Plays

A comeback for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a few days ago, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Uncertain,” he responded. “We will assess the pitch as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the history, he’s a world-class spinner. We must evaluate the choices and see how we go.”

Batters In Contention for Selection

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

“Many options are under consideration,” Smith said. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll determine a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking player,” Smith added. “Impressed on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He handles pace exceptionally. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Last-Minute Call Timeline

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to earn a recall at number six, on the assumption that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green is promoted to number five.

Smith indicated a final decision on the lineup could be made before the day ends, but equally it could be delayed until the day of the match. The Test gets under way at the Gabba at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.