Australia Stays Cagey on Second Test XI, Door Still Ajar for Cummins’ Return
The lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test is yet to be decided just hours out from the match start in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the wicket necessary before the Australian selectors announce a squad that may yet contain Pat Cummins.
Stand-in Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return
Stand-in captain Steve Smith addressed an journalists on Wednesday but was not disclosing the final selection of the XI. Nonetheless, he kept the possibility alive a late inclusion for Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back issue.
“He seems quite impressive to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain stated. “Of course the game is different, but he’s progressing very well, he is aware of his condition.”
11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Possibility
The pace spearhead was initially left out in Australia’s 15-man squad for the next encounter, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to rehabilitate with the group. Smith said he was progressing well and might still be included at the 11th hour.
“It's a waiting game but like I said, he’s not far away,” Smith noted. “He has completed all the right things the recent period and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”
Team Conundrums Loom if Cummins Returns
A return to the side for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would lead to Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.
Smith would not confirm Lyon’s place in the team when questioned about the spinner's selection.
“Uncertain,” he replied. “We’ll look at the wicket as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the previous matches, he’s a top performer. We’ll weigh up the choices and see how we go.”
Batters In Contention for Selection
The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has made the team. The batter is the frontrunner to come into the XI in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to open the batting again after his heroics in Perth.
“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith said. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll finalize a lineup.”
“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive player,” Smith added. “Impressed on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in great nick... He handles pace really nicely. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”
Last-Minute Call Timeline
Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is under consideration to return to the side at No 6, on the expectation that Travis Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and Cam Green moves up to number five.
Smith indicated a final decision on the lineup might come this afternoon, but equally it could be delayed until the day of the match. Play begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.