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

The lineup for the next Test match remains unknown less than a day out from the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a further inspection of the playing surface necessary before the team management name a squad that may yet feature their captain.

Acting Captain Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an expectant media on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the XI. Nonetheless, he did not rule out a shock return for Pat Cummins, who was forced to miss the series opener due to a back issue.

“He seems pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Naturally games are different intensity, but he’s coming along well, he is aware of his condition.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The fast bowler was initially left out in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the rest of the squad. Smith said he was progressing well and may be included at the 11th hour.

“The decision is pending but as I mentioned, he’s close,” the captain noted. “He’s done all the right things the last little bit and we’ll see this afternoon when we inspect that wicket whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if Cummins Plays

A comeback for Cummins, which was in doubt just a recently, would lead to Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon losing their place.

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

“Uncertain,” he said. “We’ll look at the surface as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has excelled in the past, he’s a top performer. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Selection

Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The player 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 brilliant performance in the first Test.

“A heap of things are being discussed,” Smith said. “It's a matter of waiting what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith added. “Did really well on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He handles pace very well. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Timeline

In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is in the mix to return to the side at number six, on the expectation that Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and Cam Green shifts to No 5.

Smith indicated a definite call on the lineup is possible this afternoon, but equally it could be delayed until the day of the match. The Test gets under way at the Gabba at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.