Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Door Wide Ajar for Pat Cummins' Comeback

Australia's playing eleven for the upcoming Brisbane Test is yet to be decided less than a day out from the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the wicket needed before the Australian selectors name a side that might feature Pat Cummins.

Acting Captain Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return

Vice-captain Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the lineup. Yet, he kept the possibility alive a shock return for 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 been bowling in practice,” Smith remarked. “Of course the game is different, but he’s progressing very well, he is aware of his condition.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Live Option

The pace spearhead was initially left out in Australia’s extended squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the group. Smith confirmed he was improving nicely and could yet be drafted in at the last minute.

“We’ll wait and see but as stated, he’s near,” Smith added. “He has completed all the right things the recent period and we’ll see later today when we inspect that surface whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Conundrums Loom if He Returns

A comeback for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a few days ago, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Undecided,” he responded. “We’ll look at the pitch as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the previous matches, he’s a quality bowler. We will consider the choices and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the prime option to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to take the opening spot again after his heroics in Perth.

“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking player,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling very well. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Call Timeline

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is in contention to return to the side at No 6, on the assumption that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green is promoted to No 5.

Smith noted a definite call on the XI is possible before the day ends, but equally it could be delayed until the day of the match. The match gets under way at the Gabba at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.