The Australian Team Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Door Still Open for Pat Cummins' Return

The lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery just hours out from the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a closer look of the playing surface necessary before the team management name a squad that could still feature Pat Cummins.

Stand-in Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Return

Vice-captain Steve Smith addressed an expectant media on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the final selection of the team. Yet, he did not rule out a shock return for Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back injury.

“He’s looked pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” Smith remarked. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he is aware of his condition.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Live Option

The pace spearhead was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the second match, but still travelled to Brisbane to rehabilitate with the group. Smith indicated he was improving nicely and may be included at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but like I said, he’s near,” the captain added. “He’s done his work the recent period and we’ll see later today when we inspect that surface whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if He Plays

A recall for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a few days ago, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Uncertain,” he responded. “We need to examine the wicket as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a quality bowler. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to wait to learn whether he has made the team. The player is the prime option to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to take the opening spot again after his heroics in Perth.

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

“[Inglis] is clearly a pretty attacking player,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Timeline

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is in the mix to return to the side at No 6, on the expectation that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green moves up to No 5.

Smith indicated a definite call on the XI is possible before the day ends, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. The Test starts at the Gabba at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.