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

The lineup for the next Test match remains unknown just hours out from the first ball in the Gabba, with a closer look of the Gabba pitch necessary before the hosts name a side that may yet contain the fast bowler.

Acting Captain Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Recall

Acting skipper Steve Smith fronted an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the final selection of the team. Yet, he did not rule out a shock return for Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back complaint.

“He seems 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 understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Live Option

The quick was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but nonetheless went to the Gabba to work on his fitness with the team. Smith confirmed he was improving nicely and may be included at the 11th hour.

“It's a waiting game but as stated, he’s near,” Smith noted. “He has completed all the right things the recent period and we’ll see this afternoon when we inspect that surface whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if He Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a recently, would result in Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon missing out.

Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the spinner's inclusion.

“Undecided,” he said. “We’ll look at the pitch as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has excelled in the past, he’s a top performer. We’ll weigh up the options and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Selection

Josh Inglis will also have to wait to learn whether he has earned a recall. The player is the frontrunner to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head likely to open the batting again after his heroics in Perth.

“A heap of things are being discussed,” Smith said. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith added. “Impressed on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in really good form... He plays fast bowling very well. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Final Decision Timeline

Along with Inglis, the all-rounder is in contention to earn a recall at number six, on the expectation that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green shifts to No 5.

Smith noted a definite call on the XI might come this afternoon, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. The match gets under way at the Gabba at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.