Australia Stays Cagey on Second Ashes Test XI, Possibility Wide Open for Pat Cummins' Comeback
Australia's playing eleven for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery under 24 hours before the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a further inspection of the wicket needed before the Australian selectors finalize a team that may yet feature their captain.
Acting Captain Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Surprise Recall
Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the team. However, he kept the possibility alive a shock return for Pat Cummins, who was forced to miss the first Test due to a back complaint.
“He seems quite impressive to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain stated. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”
11th-Hour Draft Remains a Live Option
The fast bowler was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the second match, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was improving nicely and could yet be included at the 11th hour.
“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s not far away,” the captain noted. “His rehabilitation has been all the right things the recent period and we’ll see this afternoon when we look at that wicket whether he’s in contention or not.”
Selection Conundrums Ahead if He 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 losing their place.
Smith did not assure Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the off-spinner’s inclusion.
“Undecided,” he said. “We need to examine the surface as I said and determine our strategy from there. This is a ground Nathan has performed brilliantly in the history, 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 made the team. The player is the prime option to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to open the batting again after his heroics in Perth.
“A heap of things are being discussed,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a final team.”
“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking player,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in excellent touch... He handles pace exceptionally. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”
Final Call Timeline
In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to earn a recall at No 6, on the expectation that Travis Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and Cam Green moves up to number five.
Smith said a official announcement on the team might come later on Wednesday, but it might also be postponed until the morning of the Test. Play gets under way at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (1500 AEDT) on Thursday.