The Australian Team Remains Cagey on Second Ashes Test XI, Door Still Open for Pat Cummins' Return

Australia's starting XI for the next Test match remains unknown just hours before the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the playing surface required before the team management finalize a squad that could still feature the fast bowler.

Acting Captain Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an journalists on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the XI. However, he left the door open a late inclusion for Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back injury.

“He has appeared very sharp to me, the way he’s performed in training,” Smith stated. “Naturally the game is different, but he’s progressing very well, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The fast bowler was initially left out in Australia’s extended squad for the next encounter, but still travelled to the Gabba to work on his fitness with the team. Smith said he was on the right track and could yet be called up at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as stated, he’s near,” Smith noted. “His rehabilitation has been all the right things the last little bit and we’ll see later today when we look at that surface whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Ahead if He Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a recently, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon losing their place.

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

“Not sure,” he said. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has excelled in the history, he’s a quality bowler. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has been selected. The batter is the leading candidate to be included in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to take the opening spot again after his century in Perth.

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

“[Inglis] is obviously a positive player,” Smith added. “Impressed on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in really good form... He faces quicks exceptionally. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Final Call Pending

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to earn a recall at No 6, on the likelihood that Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to number five.

Smith noted a official announcement on the team is possible before the day ends, but equally it could be delayed until the Thursday. Play starts at the Gabba at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.