The Australian Team Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test XI, Possibility Still Ajar for Pat Cummins' Comeback

Australia's starting XI for the second Ashes Test is still a mystery less than a day before the match start in Brisbane, with a further inspection of the playing surface required before the Australian selectors finalize a side that might contain the fast bowler.

Acting Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Recall

Vice-captain Steve Smith spoke to an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the exact make-up of the XI. Yet, he did not rule out a shock return for Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back injury.

“He has appeared quite impressive to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” the stand-in captain said. “Of course games are different intensity, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”

Late Inclusion Still a Possibility

The fast bowler was initially left out in Australia’s extended squad for the next encounter, but still travelled to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was on the right track and may be drafted in at the last minute.

“It's a waiting game but like I said, he’s close,” Smith continued. “He has completed everything really well the recent period and we’ll see this afternoon when we inspect that surface whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Conundrums Loom if Cummins Plays

A recall for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would lead to Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

Smith did not assure Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the spinner's inclusion.

“Undecided,” he replied. “We’ll look at the pitch as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a quality bowler. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has been selected. The player is the leading candidate to be included in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to open the batting again after his century in the first Test.

“Many options are on the table,” Smith said. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking player,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He handles pace very well. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Final Call Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to earn a recall at number six, on the expectation that Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder shifts to number five.

Smith said a definite call on the lineup might come this afternoon, but alternatively, it may wait until the morning of the Test. The Test gets under way at the Gabba at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.