Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Possibility Still Ajar for Pat Cummins' Comeback

The lineup for the second Ashes Test is still a mystery just hours before the match start in Brisbane, with a further inspection of the playing surface necessary before the hosts announce a squad that could still contain their captain.

Stand-in Skipper Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return

Vice-captain Steve Smith fronted an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the team. However, he left the door open a surprise recall for Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back complaint.

“He has appeared pretty good to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain stated. “Of course the game is different, but he’s progressing very well, he is aware of his condition.”

11th-Hour Draft Remains a Live Option

The pace spearhead was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the second match, but still travelled to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the group. Smith indicated he was progressing well and could yet be included at the final moment.

“It's a waiting game but like I said, he’s near,” the captain continued. “His rehabilitation has been everything really well the last little bit and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that surface whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if Cummins Returns

A return to the side for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a short time back, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Undecided,” he responded. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and make a decision from there. This is a ground Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a top performer. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has been selected. The batter is the prime option to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head likely to take the opening spot again after his heroics in Perth.

“A heap of things are on the table,” Smith said. “We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith said. “Did really well on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in excellent touch... He faces quicks very well. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Call Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is in the mix to earn a recall at number six, on the expectation that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder shifts to No 5.

Smith indicated a official announcement on the XI could be made this afternoon, but equally it could be delayed until the morning of the Test. The match gets under way at the Gabba at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.