Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test Lineup, Possibility Still Open for Pat Cummins' Comeback

The lineup for the next Test match is yet to be decided under 24 hours out from the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a closer look of the Gabba pitch required before the Australian selectors name a side that might feature the fast bowler.

Stand-in Captain Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith spoke to an journalists on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the final selection of the XI. However, he kept the possibility alive a shock return for Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back issue.

“He has appeared very sharp to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain stated. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s progressing very well, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Possibility

The quick was not initially selected in Australia’s 15-man squad for the second match, but still travelled to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the team. Smith indicated he was progressing well and could yet be included at the 11th hour.

“The decision is pending but as stated, 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 look at that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if He Plays

A recall for Cummins, which was in doubt just a recently, would mean recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.

Smith did not assure Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the spinner's inclusion.

“Not sure,” he responded. “We need to examine the wicket as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the previous matches, he’s a world-class spinner. We will consider the options and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the frontrunner to be included in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to open the batting again after his century in Perth.

“Several scenarios are being discussed,” Smith explained. “It's a matter of waiting what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a positive batsman,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Final Decision Timeline

In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is in contention to earn a recall at No 6, on the assumption that Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder moves up to number five.

Smith indicated a final decision on the team could be made this afternoon, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. The match begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.