Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test Lineup, Possibility Wide Open for Pat Cummins' Return

Australia's lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery less than a day before the first ball in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the wicket required before the team management name a squad that might contain Pat Cummins.

Stand-in Skipper Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith addressed an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the precise composition of the lineup. Nonetheless, he did not rule out a surprise recall for Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back injury.

“He has appeared very sharp to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” Smith said. “Of course games are different intensity, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

Late Draft Remains a Possibility

The quick was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the group. Smith confirmed he was progressing well and could yet be included at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as I mentioned, he’s near,” the captain continued. “He’s done his work the last little bit and we’ll see this afternoon when we inspect that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Conundrums Loom if He Plays

A comeback for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a short time back, would lead to recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Not sure,” he said. “We need to examine the wicket as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has excelled in the history, he’s a world-class spinner. We must evaluate the choices and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Selection

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

“A heap of things are on the table,” Smith commented. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a positive player,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He handles pace very well. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Call Pending

In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to earn a recall at No 6, on the assumption 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 XI is possible before the day ends, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. Play gets under way at the Gabba at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.