Australia Remains Tight-Lipped on Second Test XI, Door Wide Ajar for Pat Cummins' Comeback
Australia's lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery under 24 hours before the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a final assessment of the playing surface required before the hosts name a team that may yet contain Pat Cummins.
Stand-in Skipper Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Recall
Acting skipper Steve Smith addressed an expectant media on Wednesday but was not disclosing the final selection of the XI. Yet, he did not rule out a late inclusion for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the first Test due to a back complaint.
“He seems pretty good to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” the stand-in captain said. “Of course the game is different, but he’s tracking really nicely, he understands his fitness.”
Late Inclusion Still a Possibility
The fast bowler was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the team. Smith said he was progressing well and could yet be included at the 11th hour.
“It's a waiting game but as stated, he’s near,” Smith added. “He’s done his work the last little bit and we’ll see after three o’clock when we look at that pitch whether he’s an option or not.”
Selection Dilemmas Ahead if He Returns
A return to the side for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a few days ago, would mean recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon losing their place.
Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the off-spinner’s inclusion.
“Uncertain,” he responded. “We will assess the surface as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has excelled in the history, he’s a top performer. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”
Batters Awaiting Selection
The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to find out whether he has been selected. The batter is the prime option to enter the lineup in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to open the batting again after his heroics in Perth.
“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith commented. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a playing XI.”
“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive player,” Smith added. “Did really well on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He handles pace exceptionally. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”
Last-Minute Call Pending
In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is in the mix to be selected at No 6, on the likelihood that Travis Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and Cam Green is promoted to No 5.
Smith indicated a final decision on the team could be made this afternoon, but alternatively, it may wait until the morning of the Test. The Test starts at the Gabba at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.