Australia Remains Cagey on Second Ashes Test XI, Possibility Wide Ajar for Pat Cummins' Return

The starting XI for the second Ashes Test is still a mystery less than a day before the match start in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch required before the team management name a squad that might include the fast bowler.

Stand-in Captain Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on Wednesday but was not disclosing the precise composition of the XI. Nonetheless, he left the door open a shock return for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back injury.

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

11th-Hour Draft Remains a Live Option

The fast bowler was initially left out in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the team. Smith indicated he was progressing well and may be called up at the last minute.

“It's a waiting game but as I mentioned, he’s near,” the captain noted. “His rehabilitation has been his work the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that surface whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Conundrums Loom if Cummins Plays

A comeback for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a few days ago, 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 replied. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and sum things up from there. This is a ground Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a top performer. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has been selected. The player is the prime option to come into the XI in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head expected to open the batting again after his century in the first Test.

“A heap of things are under consideration,” Smith said. “The decision is pending what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a positive batsman,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in excellent touch... He faces quicks really nicely. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Call Timeline

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to earn a recall at number six, on the assumption that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to No 5.

Smith said a definite call on the XI is possible later on Wednesday, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. Play starts at the Gabba at two in the afternoon (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.