Australia Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Test XI, Door Wide Open for Pat Cummins' Return

Australia's playing eleven for the upcoming Brisbane Test remains unknown less than a day before the match start in Brisbane, with a further inspection of the wicket needed before the team management announce a side that could still feature Pat Cummins.

Acting Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith spoke to an expectant media on Wednesday but was not disclosing the exact make-up of the XI. Yet, he left the door open a late inclusion for Cummins, who was forced to miss the first Test due to a back injury.

“He has appeared very sharp to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” Smith remarked. “Obviously games are different intensity, but he’s coming along well, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Live Option

The pace spearhead was initially left out in Australia’s 15-man squad for the next encounter, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the rest of the squad. Smith said he was progressing well and may be called up at the final moment.

“We’ll wait and see but as stated, he’s not far away,” the captain added. “He’s done his work the recent period and we’ll see this afternoon when we look at that surface whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Selection Conundrums Loom if Cummins Returns

A comeback for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a short time back, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Not sure,” he said. “We need to examine the wicket as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a top performer. We must evaluate the choices and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has made the team. The batter is the leading candidate to be included in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander likely to open the batting again after his century in the first Test.

“A heap of things are being discussed,” Smith commented. “It's a matter of waiting what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a positive player,” Smith said. “Impressed on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling exceptionally. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Timeline

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to be selected at number six, on the expectation that Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder shifts to No 5.

Smith said a official announcement on the team is possible before the day ends, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. The match begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.