Australia Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Test XI, Door Still Ajar for Pat Cummins' Comeback
Australia's lineup for the second Ashes Test remains unknown less than a day out from the match start in Brisbane, with a further inspection of the Gabba pitch needed before the Australian selectors finalize a team that might feature Pat Cummins.
Stand-in Skipper Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return
Stand-in captain Steve Smith addressed an expectant media on Wednesday but was keeping quiet about the precise composition of the XI. However, he left the door open a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back issue.
“He seems very sharp to me, the way he’s performed in training,” Smith remarked. “Obviously the game is different, but he’s coming along well, he understands his fitness.”
Late Draft Remains a Live Option
The quick was initially left out in Australia’s larger group for the second match, but nonetheless went to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was improving nicely and might still be drafted in at the final moment.
“We’ll wait and see but as stated, he’s near,” Smith noted. “His rehabilitation has been his work the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we look at that wicket whether he’s in contention or not.”
Team Dilemmas Loom if He Plays
A recall for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a recently, would lead to Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.
Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the spinner's inclusion.
“Undecided,” he responded. “We need to examine the wicket as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has excelled in the past, he’s a top performer. We must evaluate the choices and see how we go.”
Batsmen In Contention for Selection
The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the prime option to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head likely to take the opening spot again after his century in Perth.
“Many options are under consideration,” Smith commented. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll finalize a playing XI.”
“[Inglis] is clearly a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith said. “Did really well on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He faces quicks very well. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”
Final Call Pending
In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to return to the side at number six, on the likelihood that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to number five.
Smith indicated a final decision on the lineup could be made later on Wednesday, but equally it could be delayed until the Thursday. Play begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at two in the afternoon (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.