Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test Lineup, Door Still Open for Cummins’ Comeback

Australia's starting XI for the next Test match remains unknown just hours out from the first ball in the Gabba, with a closer look of the wicket needed before the team management name a squad that could still feature the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Recall

Acting skipper Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the final selection of the team. Yet, 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’s looked very sharp to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Of course match intensity differs, but he’s progressing very well, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Draft Remains a Live Option

The pace spearhead was originally omitted in Australia’s extended squad for the next encounter, but nonetheless went to the Gabba to work on his fitness with the group. Smith indicated he was progressing well and might still be included at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as stated, he’s close,” the captain noted. “He has completed his work the past few days and we’ll see later today when we assess that pitch whether he’s in contention or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if He Plays

A comeback for Cummins, which was in doubt just a few days ago, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon losing their place.

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

“Not sure,” he said. “We’ll look at the wicket as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the history, he’s a top performer. We will consider the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the frontrunner to come into the XI in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to open the batting again after his heroics in Perth.

“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith commented. “It's a matter of waiting what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a lineup.”

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

Final Call Pending

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to earn a recall at No 6, on the likelihood that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green shifts to number five.

Smith indicated a official announcement on the lineup might come before the day ends, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. Play begins at the Gabba at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.