The Australian Team Remains Cagey on Second Ashes Test XI, Door Wide Ajar for Pat Cummins' Return

The playing eleven for the second Ashes Test is yet to be decided under 24 hours out from the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a closer look of the wicket necessary before the team management name a team that may yet feature Pat Cummins.

Stand-in Captain Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the exact make-up of the team. Nonetheless, he left the door open a shock return for Cummins, who was forced to miss the first Test due to a back injury.

“He has appeared very sharp to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” Smith stated. “Obviously match intensity differs, but he’s coming along well, he is aware of his condition.”

11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Live Option

The quick was initially left out in Australia’s 15-man squad for the next encounter, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was on the right track and may be drafted in at the final moment.

“It's a waiting game but as stated, he’s not far away,” Smith noted. “He’s done all the right things the past few days and we’ll see later today when we assess that wicket whether he’s in contention or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if He Plays

A comeback for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a recently, would lead to Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.

Smith would not confirm Lyon’s place in the team when asked about the off-spinner’s inclusion.

“Undecided,” he responded. “We will assess the surface as I said and make a decision from there. This is a ground Nathan has excelled in the previous matches, he’s a top performer. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting 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 injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head likely to open the batting again after his century in the first Test.

“Many options are on the table,” Smith said. “It's a matter of waiting what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a final team.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive batsman,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He plays fast bowling exceptionally. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Final Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in contention to earn a recall at number six, on the expectation that Travis Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and Cam Green shifts to number five.

Smith noted a final decision on the lineup is possible before the day ends, but alternatively, it may wait until the day of the match. The Test begins at the Gabba at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.