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

Australia's lineup for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery less than a day out from the first ball in the Gabba, with a closer look of the playing surface necessary before the hosts name a side that might include the fast bowler.

Stand-in Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Recall

Acting skipper Steve Smith spoke to an expectant media on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the exact make-up of the lineup. However, he did not rule out a surprise recall for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back issue.

“He’s looked very sharp to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” Smith said. “Of course the game is different, but he’s coming along well, he knows his body well.”

11th-Hour Draft Remains a Live Option

The quick was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the second match, but came along to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the team. Smith indicated he was progressing well and could yet be called up at the final moment.

“We’ll wait and see but as stated, he’s near,” Smith added. “He has completed all the right things the past few days and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that pitch whether he’s in contention or not.”

Selection Conundrums Ahead if Cummins Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which appeared unlikely just a recently, would lead to Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon missing out.

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

“Undecided,” he responded. “We will assess the wicket as I said and sum things up from there. This is a ground Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a top performer. We’ll weigh up the choices and see how we go.”

Batsmen In Contention for Selection

The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to wait to learn whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the leading candidate to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head likely to open the batting again after his brilliant performance in Perth.

“Many options are on the table,” Smith said. “The decision is pending what the wicket is like and from there we’ll decide on a lineup.”

“[Inglis] is clearly a pretty attacking player,” Smith added. “Did really well on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Final Call Pending

In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to return to the side at number six, on the likelihood that Travis Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder moves up to No 5.

Smith noted a final decision on the lineup might come before the day ends, but equally it could be delayed until the day of the match. Play begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.