Australia Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Test XI, Door Still Ajar for Pat Cummins' Return
Australia's lineup for the second Ashes Test is yet to be decided under 24 hours before the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the playing surface required before the Australian selectors finalize a squad that could still contain Pat Cummins.
Acting Captain Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Recall
Vice-captain Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on Wednesday but was not disclosing the precise composition of the team. However, he left the door open a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back issue.
“He’s looked very sharp to me, the way he’s performed in training,” Smith remarked. “Of course games are different intensity, but he’s tracking really nicely, he knows his body well.”
Late Inclusion Still a Possibility
The quick was initially left out in Australia’s extended squad for the next encounter, but came along to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was progressing well and may be called up at the final moment.
“The decision is pending but as stated, he’s not far away,” Smith added. “He has completed all the right things the past few days and we’ll see later today when we assess that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”
Selection Conundrums Loom if Cummins 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 losing their place.
Smith would not confirm Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the off-spinner’s selection.
“Not sure,” he responded. “We need to examine the surface as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the history, he’s a world-class spinner. We must evaluate the options and see how we go.”
Batsmen In Contention for Selection
The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has earned a recall. The player is the leading candidate to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head expected to open the batting again after his heroics in Perth.
“Many options are on the table,” Smith commented. “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 batsman,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He faces quicks very well. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”
Final Decision Timeline
In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to return to the side at number six, on the expectation that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to number five.
Smith said a official announcement on the team could be made this afternoon, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. The Test begins at the Gabba at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.