The Australian Team Remains Cagey on Second Test XI, Possibility Wide Open for Cummins’ Return

Australia's playing eleven for the second Ashes Test is still a mystery just hours before the match start in Brisbane, with a closer look of the Gabba pitch required before the hosts finalize a side that may yet feature the fast bowler.

Stand-in Captain Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Return

Stand-in captain Steve Smith addressed an journalists on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the team. Yet, he kept the possibility alive a surprise recall for Cummins, who was forced to miss the series opener due to a back issue.

“He’s looked very sharp to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” Smith stated. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s tracking really nicely, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Still a Live Option

The pace spearhead was initially left out in Australia’s 15-man squad for the second match, but still travelled to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the group. Smith said he was improving nicely and might still be drafted in at the last minute.

“The decision is pending but like I said, he’s close,” Smith added. “He has completed everything really well the past few days and we’ll see later today when we inspect that surface whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Ahead if Cummins Plays

A recall for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a short time back, would result in Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Not sure,” he said. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a world-class spinner. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batters In Contention for Selection

Josh Inglis will also have to wait to learn whether he has been selected. The batter is the leading candidate to come into the XI in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head likely to take the opening spot again after his century in Perth.

“Several scenarios are being discussed,” Smith commented. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking player,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He handles pace very well. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to return to the side at No 6, on the expectation that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder moves up to number five.

Smith noted a final decision on the team could be made before the day ends, but alternatively, it may wait until the day of the match. Play begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.