The Australian Team Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test XI, Possibility Wide Ajar for Cummins’ Return

The playing eleven for the next Test match remains unknown just hours out from the match start in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the wicket needed before the team management name a team that could still feature their captain.

Stand-in Captain Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the final selection of the team. Nonetheless, he did not rule out a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back injury.

“He has appeared quite impressive to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain said. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s tracking really nicely, he knows his body well.”

Late Inclusion Still a Possibility

The fast bowler was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but came along to the Gabba to work on his fitness with the group. Smith said he was improving nicely and may be drafted in at the final moment.

“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s near,” the captain noted. “He has completed everything really well the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we inspect that surface whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Conundrums Loom if He Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which was in doubt just a recently, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.

Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when questioned about the off-spinner’s selection.

“Uncertain,” he responded. “We’ll look at the pitch as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a top performer. We’ll weigh up the choices and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The player is the leading candidate to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to open the batting again after his century in Perth.

“Several scenarios are under consideration,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking player,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling exceptionally. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Last-Minute Call Pending

In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to return to the side at No 6, on the expectation that Travis Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and Cam Green shifts to No 5.

Smith said a official announcement on the lineup might come before the day ends, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. The Test starts at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.