Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test Lineup, Door Still Ajar for Pat Cummins' Return

Australia's starting XI for the second Ashes Test is still a mystery under 24 hours before the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the wicket needed before the team management name a side that could still include their captain.

Acting Skipper Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Recall

Acting skipper Steve Smith fronted an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the final selection of the team. Nonetheless, he kept the possibility alive a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back injury.

“He seems quite impressive to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” Smith stated. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”

Late Draft Remains a Live Option

The quick was not initially selected in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the team. Smith indicated he was on the right track and may be included at the final moment.

“It's a waiting game but as stated, he’s near,” Smith noted. “He’s done his work the recent period and we’ll see this afternoon when we look at that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Conundrums Loom if Cummins Plays

A comeback for Cummins, which was in doubt just a few days ago, would lead to recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Undecided,” he responded. “We’ll look at the surface as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the history, he’s a quality bowler. We’ll weigh up the choices and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has been selected. The batter is the leading candidate to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to open the batting again after his brilliant performance in the first Test.

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

“[Inglis] is obviously a positive player,” Smith said. “Did really well on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He plays fast bowling exceptionally. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Final Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is in contention to be selected at number six, on the likelihood that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green shifts to No 5.

Smith noted a official announcement on the team might come before the day ends, but equally it could be delayed until the morning of the Test. The Test starts at the Gabba at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.