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

The starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test is yet to be decided just hours before the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the playing surface necessary before the hosts announce a squad that might contain the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Recall

Acting skipper Steve Smith fronted an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the final selection of the XI. Nonetheless, he left the door open a late inclusion for Pat Cummins, who was forced to miss the series opener due to a back injury.

“He seems very sharp to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain stated. “Of course the game is different, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Still a Live Option

The pace spearhead was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the group. Smith indicated he was on the right track and could yet be called up at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as stated, he’s not far away,” the captain noted. “His rehabilitation has been his work the last little bit and we’ll see later today when we inspect that surface whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Ahead if Cummins Returns

A recall for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would mean recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon losing their place.

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

“Uncertain,” he responded. “We need to examine the surface as I said and make a decision from there. This is a ground Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a quality bowler. We’ll weigh up the options and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to find out whether he has earned a recall. The player is the prime option to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to open the batting again after his heroics in the first Test.

“A heap of things are being discussed,” Smith said. “The decision is pending what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a pretty attacking player,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He handles pace exceptionally. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Last-Minute Call Timeline

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to return to the side at number six, on the assumption that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to No 5.

Smith said a definite call on the XI could be made this afternoon, but equally it could be delayed until the day of the match. Play gets under way at the Gabba at two in the afternoon (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.