Australia Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Test Lineup, Possibility Still Ajar for Cummins’ Return

The playing eleven for the upcoming Brisbane Test is yet to be decided under 24 hours before the match start in the Gabba, with a closer look of the wicket necessary before the Australian selectors name a side that might feature the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith addressed an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the final selection of the team. However, he left the door open a late inclusion for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back complaint.

“He’s looked pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Of course the game is different, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Live Option

The fast bowler was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but came along to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the group. Smith indicated he was improving nicely and might still be included at the final moment.

“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s not far away,” Smith noted. “His rehabilitation has been his work the last little bit and we’ll see later today when we assess that surface whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Conundrums Ahead if He Returns

A comeback for Cummins, which was in doubt just a recently, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Undecided,” he replied. “We’ll look at the wicket as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has excelled in the previous matches, he’s a quality bowler. We must evaluate the choices and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has been selected. The player is the leading candidate to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to open the batting again after his brilliant performance in the first Test.

“Many options are on the table,” Smith said. “The decision is pending what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a final team.”

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

Final Call Timeline

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to be selected at No 6, on the expectation that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green moves up to number five.

Smith indicated a definite call on the lineup might come before the day ends, but alternatively, it may wait until the morning of the Test. Play starts at the Gabba at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.