The Australian Team Remains Cagey on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Door Still Open for Cummins’ Return

Australia's starting XI for the next Test match remains unknown under 24 hours out from the match start in Brisbane, with a closer look of the wicket required before the hosts finalize a squad that could still feature the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Return

Vice-captain Steve Smith fronted an expectant media on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the exact make-up of the XI. However, he kept the possibility alive a surprise recall for Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back complaint.

“He has appeared pretty good to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s progressing very well, he is aware of his condition.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The fast bowler was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but still travelled to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the team. Smith said he was improving nicely and could yet be called up at the last minute.

“We’ll wait and see but as stated, he’s near,” Smith noted. “He’s done all the right things the past few days and we’ll see this afternoon when we assess that surface whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if Cummins Returns

A return to the side for Cummins, which was in doubt just a recently, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon losing their place.

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

“Uncertain,” he said. “We will assess the wicket as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has performed brilliantly in the previous matches, he’s a top performer. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batters In Contention for Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has been selected. The batter is the frontrunner to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to open the batting again after his century in Perth.

“Several scenarios are under consideration,” Smith said. “It's a matter of waiting what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a positive player,” Smith said. “Impressed on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in really good form... He faces quicks very well. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Call Pending

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to earn a recall at number six, on the expectation that Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder moves up to No 5.

Smith indicated a final decision on the XI is possible this afternoon, but alternatively, it may wait until the morning of the Test. Play gets under way at the Gabba at two in the afternoon (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.