The Australian Team Stays Cagey on Second Test Lineup, Possibility Wide Ajar for Cummins’ Return

The lineup for the second Ashes Test is yet to be decided less than a day out from the match start in Brisbane, with a closer look of the playing surface necessary before the hosts announce a side that may yet contain Pat Cummins.

Acting Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the precise composition of the lineup. Nonetheless, he kept the possibility alive a shock return for Pat Cummins, who was forced to miss the first Test due to a back injury.

“He’s looked pretty good to me, the way he’s performed in training,” Smith remarked. “Naturally the game is different, but he’s tracking really nicely, he knows his body well.”

Late Inclusion Remains a Live Option

The quick was not initially selected in Australia’s extended squad for the Brisbane Test, but came along to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the rest of the squad. Smith said he was improving nicely and might still be called up at the 11th hour.

“The decision is pending but as I mentioned, he’s close,” the captain noted. “He has completed all the right things the last little bit and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that wicket whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if He Plays

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

Smith would not confirm Lyon’s place in the team when questioned about the spinner's selection.

“Undecided,” he said. “We will assess the surface as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the history, he’s a top performer. We will consider the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to wait to learn whether he has earned a recall. The player is the frontrunner to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head likely to open the batting again after his century in the first Test.

“Many options are on the table,” Smith said. “We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll decide on a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking player,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in excellent touch... He faces quicks really nicely. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Call Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to be selected at number six, on the assumption that Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to No 5.

Smith noted a official announcement on the team might come this afternoon, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. The match begins at the Gabba at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.