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

Australia's starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery less than a day before the first ball in Brisbane, with a further inspection of the Gabba pitch required before the hosts announce a squad that might contain the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Recall

Vice-captain Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the exact make-up of the XI. Nonetheless, he kept the possibility alive a surprise recall for Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back issue.

“He seems very sharp to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain stated. “Naturally match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

Late Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The pace spearhead was not initially selected in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the group. Smith indicated he was improving nicely and might still be called up at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as I mentioned, he’s near,” the captain added. “He’s done all the right things the past few days and we’ll see later today when we inspect that wicket whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Team Conundrums Loom if He Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which was in doubt just a recently, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Not sure,” he responded. “We need to examine the surface as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a top performer. We must evaluate the options and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the prime option to be included in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to open the batting again after his heroics in Perth.

“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith commented. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive player,” Smith added. “Did really well on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in really good form... He handles pace really nicely. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to be selected at No 6, on the expectation that Travis Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder moves up to No 5.

Smith indicated a official announcement on the team is possible before the day ends, but it might also be postponed until the Thursday. The match begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.