The Australian Team Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Door Wide Ajar for Cummins’ Return

The lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test is yet to be decided just hours out from the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a closer look of the wicket needed before the hosts announce a team that may yet feature the fast bowler.

Stand-in Captain Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Recall

Acting skipper Steve Smith fronted an journalists on Wednesday but was not disclosing the final selection of the XI. Yet, he left the door open a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back injury.

“He seems quite impressive to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Of course match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he understands his fitness.”

Late Draft Remains a Live Option

The quick was not initially selected in Australia’s extended squad for the second match, but came along to Brisbane to rehabilitate with the rest of the squad. Smith said he was progressing well and might still be called up at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as I mentioned, he’s not far away,” the captain noted. “He has completed all the right things the last little bit and we’ll see later today when we inspect that pitch whether he’s in contention or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if He Returns

A recall for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a recently, would lead to Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Undecided,” he replied. “We will assess the wicket as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the history, he’s a world-class spinner. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Selection

Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The player is the frontrunner to be included in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to take the opening spot again after his century in Perth.

“Many options are being discussed,” Smith said. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll determine a final team.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a positive player,” Smith added. “Impressed on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He plays fast bowling exceptionally. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Timeline

In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to be selected at number six, on the likelihood that Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder moves up to number five.

Smith indicated a final decision on the XI might come later on Wednesday, but alternatively, it may wait until the Thursday. The match starts at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.