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

Australia's lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery under 24 hours out from the match start in the Gabba, with a closer look of the wicket needed before the hosts announce a squad that could still contain the fast bowler.

Acting Captain Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the XI. Nonetheless, he left the door open a late inclusion for Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back issue.

“He has appeared pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain stated. “Obviously the game is different, but he’s coming along well, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The fast bowler was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the team. Smith indicated he was improving nicely and might still be included at the last minute.

“We’ll wait and see but as stated, he’s close,” Smith continued. “He’s done all the right things the recent period and we’ll see later today when we look at that wicket whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Team Conundrums Ahead if Cummins Plays

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

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

“Undecided,” he said. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a world-class spinner. We will consider the choices and see how we go.”

Batters In Contention for Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has been selected. The batter is the frontrunner to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head expected to open the batting 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 finalize a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive player,” Smith said. “Did really well on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in excellent touch... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is in contention to return to the side at No 6, on the assumption that Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and Cam Green shifts to No 5.

Smith noted a definite call on the team is possible later on Wednesday, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. Play gets under way at the Gabba at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.