The Australian Team Stays Cagey on Second Test XI, Possibility Still Ajar for Pat Cummins' Comeback

Australia's playing eleven for the upcoming Brisbane Test remains unknown just hours out from the match start in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch required before the Australian selectors announce a team that may yet feature the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Return

Stand-in captain Steve Smith spoke to an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the precise composition of the lineup. However, he kept the possibility alive a late inclusion for Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back injury.

“He seems very sharp to me, the way he’s performed in training,” Smith stated. “Of course the game is different, but he’s progressing very well, he understands his fitness.”

Late Draft Still a Live Option

The pace spearhead was not initially selected in Australia’s extended squad for the Brisbane Test, but came along to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the team. Smith said he was progressing well and might still be called up at the last minute.

“We’ll wait and see but as stated, he’s near,” the captain continued. “He’s done everything really well the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we look at that wicket whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if Cummins Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a short time back, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.

Smith would not confirm Lyon’s place in the team when questioned about the spinner's selection.

“Undecided,” he said. “We’ll look at the surface as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a top performer. We must evaluate the choices and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the leading candidate to be included in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to take the opening spot again after his century in Perth.

“A heap of things are on the table,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a positive player,” Smith added. “Impressed on his debut in Sri Lanka, 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.”

Last-Minute Decision Pending

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to earn a recall at No 6, on the likelihood that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to No 5.

Smith indicated a official announcement on the lineup is possible before the day ends, but equally it could be delayed until the day of the match. The match begins at the Gabba at two in the afternoon (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.