Australia Stays Cagey on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Door Still Ajar for Pat Cummins' Return

Australia's starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test is yet to be decided less than a day out from the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the playing surface necessary before the Australian selectors name a side that might contain the fast bowler.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return

Acting skipper Steve Smith addressed an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the exact make-up of the XI. However, he did not rule out a shock return for Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back injury.

“He seems quite impressive to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Naturally match intensity differs, but he’s tracking really nicely, he is aware of his condition.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The pace spearhead was initially left out in Australia’s extended squad for the next encounter, but still travelled to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the group. Smith indicated he was on the right track and might still be called up at the last minute.

“We’ll wait and see but as stated, he’s close,” the captain continued. “He’s done his work the recent period and we’ll see later today when we assess that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Conundrums Loom if Cummins Returns

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

Smith would not confirm Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the spinner's selection.

“Not sure,” he replied. “We’ll look at the wicket as I said and make a decision from there. This is a ground Nathan has excelled in the previous matches, he’s a quality bowler. We will consider the choices and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has been selected. The player is the frontrunner to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to take the opening spot again after his heroics in the first Test.

“A heap of things are being discussed,” Smith said. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith added. “Impressed on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling exceptionally. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Final Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to be selected at No 6, on the expectation that Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder moves up to number five.

Smith indicated a final decision on the lineup is possible later on Wednesday, but equally it could be delayed until the day of the match. Play starts at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.