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Australia Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Ashes Test XI, Possibility Wide Open for Pat Cummins' Return
Australia's starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery less than a day out from the match start in the Gabba, with a further inspection of the playing surface required before the Australian selectors name a squad that might contain their captain.
Acting Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Shock Return
Acting skipper Steve Smith addressed an journalists on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the exact make-up of the team. However, he left the door open a shock return for Cummins, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back issue.
“He seems very sharp to me, the way he’s performed in training,” the stand-in captain stated. “Naturally the game is different, but he’s progressing very well, he understands his fitness.”
11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Possibility
The fast bowler was not initially selected in Australia’s larger group for the next encounter, but came along to the Gabba to work on his fitness with the rest of the squad. Smith confirmed he was progressing well and may be included at the last minute.
“The decision is pending but as stated, he’s close,” Smith added. “His rehabilitation has been all the right things the last little bit and we’ll see later today when we look at that surface whether he’s a possibility or not.”
Team Dilemmas Loom if He Returns
A recall for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a recently, 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 questioned about the spinner's selection.
“Undecided,” he replied. “We need to examine the pitch as I said and sum things up from there. This is a ground Nathan has excelled in the history, he’s a world-class spinner. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”
Batsmen Awaiting Recall
The wicketkeeper-batter will also have to see whether he has made the team. The batter is the prime option to be included in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head touted to open the batting again after his heroics in the first Test.
“A heap of things are being discussed,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a final team.”
“[Inglis] is obviously a pretty attacking player,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his debut in the subcontinent, he’s been in great nick... He faces quicks really nicely. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”
Last-Minute Decision Pending
In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is in contention to return to the side at No 6, on the likelihood that Travis Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder is promoted to No 5.
Smith indicated a final decision on the team could be made later on Wednesday, but alternatively, it may wait until the Thursday. The match begins at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.
Carl Goodwin
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