The Australian Team Stays Cagey on Second Test Lineup, Possibility Wide Open for Pat Cummins' Comeback

The playing eleven for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery just hours before the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a closer look of the wicket necessary before the hosts finalize a side that may yet include Pat Cummins.

Acting Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Recall

Acting skipper Steve Smith addressed an expectant media on Wednesday but was not disclosing the exact make-up of the lineup. However, he kept the possibility alive a late inclusion for Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back issue.

“He seems quite impressive to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” the stand-in captain remarked. “Of course games are different intensity, but he’s progressing very well, he understands his fitness.”

11th-Hour Draft Still a Live Option

The quick was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the next encounter, but came along to the Gabba to rehabilitate with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was on the right track and may be included at the last minute.

“We’ll wait and see but as I mentioned, he’s not far away,” Smith continued. “He’s done everything really well the recent period and we’ll see this afternoon when we look at that surface whether he’s an option or not.”

Team Dilemmas Loom if He Returns

A recall for Cummins, which was in doubt just a recently, would mean Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

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

“Uncertain,” he responded. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and determine our strategy from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the previous matches, he’s a quality bowler. We must evaluate the options and see how we go.”

Batsmen Awaiting Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has been selected. The batter is the prime option to be included in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander touted to take the opening spot again after his century in the first Test.

“Many options are being discussed,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a positive batsman,” Smith added. “Performed excellently on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in excellent touch... He handles pace really nicely. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Call Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in the mix to return to the side at No 6, on the assumption that Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and Cam Green is promoted to number five.

Smith said a final decision on the team is possible later on Wednesday, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. Play begins at the Gabba at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.