Australia's starting XI for the next Test match is still a mystery just hours out from the opening delivery in Brisbane, with a further inspection of the playing surface required before the hosts name a team that might include the fast bowler.
Stand-in Captain Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Return
Stand-in captain Steve Smith fronted an journalists on the eve of the Test but was not disclosing the exact make-up of the XI. Yet, he kept the possibility alive a surprise recall 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 bowled in the nets,” Smith said. “Of course the game is different, but he’s progressing very well, he is aware of his condition.”
11th-Hour Inclusion Remains a Possibility
The fast bowler was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the second match, but nonetheless went to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the group. Smith confirmed he was progressing well and may be called up at the last minute.
“The decision is pending but as I mentioned, he’s close,” the captain added. “He has completed everything really well the last little bit and we’ll see later today when we inspect that wicket whether he’s a possibility or not.”
Team Conundrums Loom if Cummins Returns
A recall for Cummins, which seemed improbable just a few days ago, would mean recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner 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 done really well in the history, he’s a quality bowler. We must evaluate the options and see how we go.”
Batters In Contention for Selection
Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has made the team. The player is the prime option to enter the lineup in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with the left-hander expected to open the batting again after his heroics in the first Test.
“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll decide on a final team.”
“[Inglis] is clearly a positive batsman,” Smith said. “Did really well on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He plays fast bowling exceptionally. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll excel for us.”
Last-Minute Decision Timeline
In addition to Inglis, the all-rounder is in contention to be selected at number six, on the expectation that Travis Head partners as opener alongside the other opener, and the all-rounder moves up to number five.
Smith said a official announcement on the team could be made this afternoon, but alternatively, it may wait until the morning of the Test. The match gets under way at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 1400 local (3pm AEDT) on Thursday.
