Australia Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test XI, Door Still Open for Cummins’ Return

Australia's starting XI for the second Ashes Test is still a mystery less than a day before the first ball in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch necessary before the hosts name a side that may yet contain the fast bowler.

Acting Captain Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith spoke to an waiting press on Wednesday but was keeping quiet about the exact make-up of the XI. Yet, he left the door open a shock return for Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back injury.

“He seems very sharp to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Naturally match intensity differs, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”

Late Inclusion Remains a Live Option

The quick was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the team. Smith said he was on the right track and could yet be drafted in at the final moment.

“The decision is pending but as stated, he’s close,” Smith continued. “His rehabilitation has been his work the past few days and we’ll see this afternoon when we assess that wicket whether he’s in contention or not.”

Team Conundrums Loom if He Plays

A recall for Cummins, which was in doubt just a few days ago, would lead to Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.

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

“Uncertain,” he responded. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and make a decision from there. This is a ground 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 Awaiting Selection

Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the frontrunner to come into the XI in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head expected to take the opening spot again after his heroics in Perth.

“Several scenarios are under consideration,” Smith commented. “It's a matter of waiting what the wicket is like and from there we’ll decide on a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive player,” Smith said. “Did really well on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Timeline

In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to return to the side at No 6, on the assumption that Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and Cam Green is promoted to No 5.

Smith noted a final decision on the XI might come this afternoon, but alternatively, it may wait until the day of the match. The Test gets under way at the Gabba at two in the afternoon (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.