The Australian Team Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test XI, Door Still Open for Pat Cummins' Return

The playing eleven for the next Test match is yet to be decided less than a day out from the match start in Brisbane, with a further inspection of the playing surface necessary before the hosts announce a squad that might feature Pat Cummins.

Stand-in Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Return

Stand-in captain Steve Smith spoke to an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the lineup. Yet, he left the door open a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was forced to miss the series opener due to a back injury.

“He has appeared quite impressive to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” the stand-in captain stated. “Naturally games are different intensity, but he’s coming along well, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Draft Remains a Live Option

The quick was initially left out in Australia’s extended squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the team. Smith indicated he was on the right track and may be included at the last minute.

“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s not far away,” the captain continued. “His rehabilitation has been all the right things the last little bit and we’ll see later today when we inspect that pitch whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if Cummins Returns

A comeback for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon being omitted.

Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the off-spinner’s selection.

“Uncertain,” he responded. “We’ll look at the pitch as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the previous matches, he’s a world-class spinner. We will consider the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has been selected. The batter is the frontrunner to be included in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to open the batting again after his heroics in Perth.

“A heap of things are under consideration,” Smith explained. “It's a matter of waiting what the pitch is like and from there we’ll determine a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive batsman,” Smith added. “Impressed on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling exceptionally. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Call Pending

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to return to the side at No 6, on the likelihood that Travis Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to number five.

Smith said a definite call on the XI might come before the day ends, but alternatively, it may wait until the Thursday. The match begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.