The Australian Team Remains Cagey on Second Test XI, Possibility Wide Ajar for Pat Cummins' Return

Australia's playing eleven for the upcoming Brisbane Test is yet to be decided just hours out from the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch required before the team management announce a side that could still contain their captain.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith spoke to an expectant media on Wednesday but was not disclosing the final selection of the team. Nonetheless, he left the door open 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,” the stand-in captain stated. “Naturally match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Possibility

The pace spearhead was initially left out in Australia’s extended squad for the next encounter, but still travelled to the Gabba to work on his fitness with the rest of the squad. Smith indicated he was on the right track and may be included at the last minute.

“The decision is pending but like I said, he’s not far away,” Smith added. “His rehabilitation has been all the right things the last little bit and we’ll see later today when we assess that wicket whether he’s in contention or not.”

Team Dilemmas Loom if He Returns

A recall for Cummins, which was in doubt just a short time back, would lead to Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.

Smith did not assure Lyon’s place in the team when questioned about the off-spinner’s inclusion.

“Undecided,” he replied. “We will assess the pitch as I said and make a decision from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the history, he’s a quality bowler. We’ll weigh up the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the frontrunner to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to open the batting again after his heroics in the first Test.

“Many options are being discussed,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive batsman,” Smith said. “Did really well on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Last-Minute Call Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to be selected at No 6, on the expectation that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder shifts to number five.

Smith said a official announcement on the team could be made later on Wednesday, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. Play begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at two in the afternoon (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.