The Australian Team Remains Cagey on Second Test Lineup, Possibility Still Ajar for Cummins’ Comeback

The playing eleven for the second Ashes Test is yet to be decided just hours before the match start in Brisbane, with a further inspection of the playing surface required before the team management name a team that may yet contain their captain.

Acting Captain Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Recall

Acting skipper Steve Smith addressed an expectant media on Wednesday but was not disclosing the exact make-up of the lineup. However, he did not rule out a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back injury.

“He’s looked quite impressive to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” Smith stated. “Naturally games are different intensity, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

Late Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The pace spearhead was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the team. Smith confirmed he was progressing well and might still be included at the 11th hour.

“We’ll wait and see but as I mentioned, he’s not far away,” the captain added. “He has completed his work the recent period and we’ll see this afternoon when we look at that wicket whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if He Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a few days ago, would result in Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Undecided,” he replied. “We’ll look at the pitch as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a quality bowler. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Selection

Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has been selected. The player is the prime option to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to take the opening spot again after his century in the first Test.

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

“[Inglis] is clearly a positive player,” Smith said. “Impressed on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He faces quicks very well. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Final Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to return to the side at No 6, on the assumption that Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder moves up to No 5.

Smith said a final decision on the team might come later on Wednesday, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. The Test starts at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.