Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test XI, Door Still Ajar for Pat Cummins' Return

Australia's playing eleven for the second Ashes Test is still a mystery just hours out from the match start in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the playing surface necessary before the team management announce a team that may yet include their captain.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith spoke to an waiting press on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the final selection of the team. However, he left the door open a surprise recall for Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back injury.

“He’s looked pretty good to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Naturally games are different intensity, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

Late Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The fast bowler was initially left out in Australia’s 15-man squad for the next encounter, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the group. Smith indicated he was progressing well and could yet be called up at the final moment.

“The decision is pending but as I mentioned, he’s near,” the captain added. “He has completed all the right things the last little bit and we’ll see this afternoon when we inspect that pitch whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if Cummins Returns

A comeback for Cummins, which was in doubt just a short time back, would lead to recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Not sure,” he replied. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a top performer. We must evaluate the options and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The player is the prime option to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to take the opening spot again after his heroics in the first Test.

“A heap of things are on the table,” Smith said. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll determine a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a pretty attacking player,” Smith added. “Did really well on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in really good form... He faces quicks very well. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Final Call Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is in contention to be selected at number six, on the assumption that Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and Cam Green shifts to No 5.

Smith indicated a final decision on the XI is possible this afternoon, but alternatively, it may wait until the day of the match. The match starts at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.