The Australian Team Remains Cagey on Second Ashes Test Lineup, Possibility Wide Open for Pat Cummins' Return

The lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test remains unknown under 24 hours out from the first ball in Brisbane, with a closer look of the wicket required before the team management announce a team that may yet feature their captain.

Acting Skipper Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Return

Vice-captain Steve Smith addressed an journalists on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the final selection of the XI. Yet, he kept the possibility alive a late inclusion for Pat Cummins, who was forced to miss the first Test due to a back issue.

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

11th-Hour Draft Remains a Possibility

The fast bowler was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the second match, but still travelled to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the team. Smith said he was progressing well and could yet be drafted in at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as I mentioned, he’s close,” the captain continued. “He’s done all the right things the past few days 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 recall for Cummins, which was in doubt just a short time back, would mean recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Undecided,” he replied. “We will assess the surface as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has performed brilliantly in the previous matches, he’s a world-class spinner. We’ll weigh up the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has earned a recall. The player is the leading candidate to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head expected to open the batting again after his heroics in Perth.

“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith explained. “The decision is pending what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking player,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He handles pace exceptionally. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Last-Minute Call Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to earn a recall at No 6, on the expectation that Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder moves up to number five.

Smith said a final decision on the team might come before the day ends, but alternatively, it may wait until the day of the match. Play starts at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.