The Australian Team Stays Cagey on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Door Still Open for Cummins’ Comeback

Australia's starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test is yet to be decided less than a day out from the first ball in the Gabba, with a closer look of the Gabba pitch needed before the Australian selectors finalize a side that might contain the fast bowler.

Stand-in Skipper Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return

Vice-captain Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the exact make-up of the lineup. Yet, he left the door open a late inclusion for Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back complaint.

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

11th-Hour Draft Remains a Live Option

The fast bowler was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the team. Smith confirmed he was on the right track and might still be called up at the final moment.

“We’ll wait and see but as stated, he’s near,” Smith added. “He has completed all the right things the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we inspect that surface whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Team Conundrums Ahead if Cummins Returns

A return to the side for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a recently, would result in Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Not sure,” he responded. “We need to examine the surface as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a quality bowler. We’ll weigh up 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 earned a recall. The player is the leading candidate to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head expected to open the batting again after his brilliant performance in the first Test.

“A heap of things are under consideration,” Smith commented. “We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll finalize a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive player,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He plays fast bowling very well. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Last-Minute Call Pending

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is in the mix to be selected at number six, on the likelihood that Travis Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder moves up to No 5.

Smith indicated a definite call on the XI could be made this afternoon, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. The match begins at the Gabba at two in the afternoon (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.