The Australian Team Remains Cagey on Second Test XI, Door Wide Open for Pat Cummins' Comeback

Australia's lineup for the next Test match is yet to be decided just hours before the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a closer look of the wicket required before the hosts announce a team that may yet include Pat Cummins.

Acting Skipper Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Recall

Stand-in captain Steve Smith spoke to an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the lineup. Nonetheless, he did not rule out a late inclusion for Cummins, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a back injury.

“He has appeared very sharp to me, the way he’s performed in training,” Smith stated. “Obviously the game is different, but he’s progressing very well, he knows his body well.”

Late Draft Still a Possibility

The quick was initially left out in Australia’s larger group for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to the Gabba to continue his recovery with the team. Smith indicated he was improving nicely and may be drafted in at the final moment.

“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s not far away,” Smith continued. “He’s done his work the recent period and we’ll see later today when we inspect that wicket whether he’s a possibility or not.”

Team Dilemmas Ahead if Cummins Plays

A recall for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a few days ago, would result in recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.

Smith did not assure Lyon’s place in the team when pressed about the spinner's inclusion.

“Undecided,” he said. “We need to examine the surface as I said and make a decision from there. This is a ground Nathan has performed brilliantly in the past, he’s a world-class spinner. We will consider the alternatives and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the prime option to be included in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to take the opening spot again after his brilliant performance in the first Test.

“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith explained. “It's a matter of waiting what the wicket is like and from there we’ll decide on a final team.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive player,” Smith added. “Did really well on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He faces quicks exceptionally. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Timeline

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is under consideration to return to the side at No 6, on the likelihood that Travis Head opens the batting alongside the other opener, and Cam Green moves up to number five.

Smith said a final decision on the lineup is possible before the day ends, but it might also be postponed until the day of the match. The Test gets under way at the Gabba at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on tomorrow.