The Australian Team Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test XI, Door Wide Open for Pat Cummins' Return

The starting XI for the next Test match remains unknown just hours out from the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a further inspection of the wicket necessary before the team management finalize a team that might include their captain.

Stand-in Captain Steve Smith Hints at Possibility for Shock Return

Stand-in captain Steve Smith spoke to an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the final selection of the team. Nonetheless, he kept the possibility alive a shock return for Cummins, who was forced to miss the series opener due to a back issue.

“He seems pretty good to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” Smith remarked. “Of course the game is different, but he’s coming along well, he understands his fitness.”

Late Draft Remains a Live Option

The quick was not initially selected in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the group. Smith confirmed he was on the right track and may be included at the 11th hour.

“We’ll wait and see but as stated, he’s not far away,” Smith noted. “He has completed his work the last little bit and we’ll see this afternoon when we look at that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Conundrums Loom if He Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which was in doubt just a short time back, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon being omitted.

Smith did not assure Lyon’s place in the team when questioned about the off-spinner’s inclusion.

“Not sure,” he responded. “We will assess the surface as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the history, he’s a world-class spinner. We will consider the choices and see how we go.”

Batters In Contention for Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The player 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. “The decision is pending what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a final team.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a positive player,” Smith added. “Impressed on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He handles pace really nicely. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”

Last-Minute Call Timeline

In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is in contention to return to the side at number six, on the likelihood that Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green shifts to number five.

Smith indicated a official announcement on the team is possible later on Wednesday, but alternatively, it may wait until the day of the match. Play gets under way at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.