Australia Remains Cagey on Second Ashes Test XI, Possibility Still Open for Cummins’ Return
Australia's starting XI for the second Ashes Test remains unknown under 24 hours out from the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a further inspection of the Gabba pitch needed before the hosts finalize a team that might contain Pat Cummins.
Acting Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return
Vice-captain Steve Smith addressed an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the precise composition of the lineup. However, he did not rule out a shock return for Pat Cummins, who was forced to miss the series opener due to a back complaint.
“He’s looked pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain said. “Naturally match intensity differs, but he’s tracking really nicely, he is aware of his condition.”
11th-Hour Draft Still a Live Option
The quick was initially left out in Australia’s 15-man squad for the second match, but still travelled to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the rest of the squad. Smith indicated he was on the right track and may be called up at the final moment.
“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s near,” Smith noted. “His rehabilitation has been everything really well the last little bit and we’ll see this afternoon when we inspect that wicket whether he’s an option or not.”
Selection Dilemmas Ahead if He Plays
A comeback for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would mean Perth debutant 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 inclusion.
“Uncertain,” he responded. “We’ll look at the surface as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the past, he’s a top performer. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”
Batsmen In Contention for Selection
Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has been selected. The batter is the prime option to come into the XI in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head expected to take the opening spot again after his heroics in the first Test.
“Many options are on the table,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a playing XI.”
“[Inglis] is clearly a positive player,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He plays fast bowling very well. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”
Final Call Timeline
In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is in contention to return to the side at No 6, on the expectation that Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder is promoted to No 5.
Smith said a final decision on the lineup might come this afternoon, but it might also be postponed until the Thursday. The match begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at two in the afternoon (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.