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

Australia's lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery just hours before the match start in the Gabba, with a further inspection of the Gabba pitch required before the Australian selectors announce a squad that may yet include their captain.

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

Acting skipper Steve Smith spoke to an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the exact make-up of the lineup. Yet, he kept the possibility alive a shock return for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back injury.

“He’s looked very sharp to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Of course match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Live Option

The pace spearhead was not initially selected in Australia’s 15-man squad for the next encounter, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to rehabilitate with the rest of the squad. Smith said he was improving nicely and may be included at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but like I said, he’s close,” the captain continued. “He’s done all the right things the recent period and we’ll see later today when we look at that wicket whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if Cummins Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a few days ago, would lead to recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Undecided,” he responded. “We will assess the wicket as I said and sum things up from there. This is a ground Nathan has performed brilliantly in the history, he’s a top performer. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has made the team. The batter is the prime option to be included in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to take the opening spot again after his heroics in the first Test.

“Many options are under consideration,” Smith commented. “The decision is pending what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith said. “Impressed on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in really good form... He handles pace really nicely. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Final Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in the mix to return to the side at number six, on the assumption that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green is promoted to number five.

Smith indicated a definite call on the XI could be made later on Wednesday, but equally it could be delayed until the morning of the Test. The match gets under way at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.