Australia Stays Cagey on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Possibility Still Open for Cummins’ Return

The lineup for the second Ashes Test is yet to be decided less than a day before the match start in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the playing surface necessary before the hosts name a squad that might include the fast bowler.

Acting Captain Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith addressed an expectant media on Wednesday but was keeping quiet about the precise composition of the lineup. Yet, he kept the possibility alive a surprise recall for Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back complaint.

“He has appeared quite impressive to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Obviously games are different intensity, but he’s coming along well, he is aware of his condition.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Live Option

The fast bowler was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but nonetheless went to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the group. Smith indicated he was on the right track and could yet be called up at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as I mentioned, he’s near,” the captain noted. “His rehabilitation has been his work the past few days and we’ll see this afternoon when we inspect that wicket whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if Cummins Returns

A return to the side for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would result in Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon losing their place.

Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the spinner's selection.

“Undecided,” he said. “We will assess the surface as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the previous matches, he’s a quality bowler. We’ll weigh up the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has been selected. The player is the frontrunner to be included in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to open the batting again after his century in the first Test.

“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith said. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll decide on a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a positive player,” Smith added. “Did really well on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Final Call Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to be selected at No 6, on the likelihood that Travis Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder shifts to number five.

Smith noted a final decision on the XI is possible before the day ends, but alternatively, it may wait until the morning of the Test. The Test gets under way at the Gabba at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.