The starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test is yet to be decided less than a day before the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the Gabba pitch needed before the hosts name a team that may yet feature their captain.
Acting skipper Steve Smith spoke to an waiting press on Wednesday but was unable to reveal the precise composition of the XI. Yet, he kept the possibility alive a late inclusion for Pat Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back complaint.
“He has appeared very sharp to me, the way he’s performed in training,” Smith stated. “Naturally games are different intensity, but he’s progressing very well, he is aware of his condition.”
The quick was originally omitted in Australia’s 15-man squad for the next encounter, but still travelled to Brisbane to work on his fitness with the rest of the squad. Smith indicated he was progressing well and might still be called up at the final moment.
“The decision is pending but as I mentioned, he’s close,” Smith added. “His rehabilitation has been his work the past few days and we’ll see this afternoon when we assess that surface whether he’s a possibility or not.”
A comeback for Cummins, which was in doubt just a short time back, would result in Perth debutant Brendan Doggett or even spin veteran Nathan Lyon being omitted.
Smith did not assure Lyon’s place in the team when questioned about the off-spinner’s inclusion.
“Not sure,” he replied. “We will assess the surface as I said and make a decision from there. Here’s a place Nathan has done really well in the history, he’s a world-class spinner. We must evaluate the alternatives and see how we go.”
Josh Inglis will also have to see whether he has been selected. The batter is the frontrunner to come into the XI in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head likely to open the batting again after his century in Perth.
“A heap of things are under consideration,” Smith explained. “We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll finalize a playing XI.”
“[Inglis] is clearly a very aggressive batsman,” Smith said. “Performed excellently on his first Test in the subcontinent, he’s been in excellent touch... He faces quicks really nicely. So if he is selected I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”
In addition to Inglis, Beau Webster is in the mix to return to the side at No 6, on the expectation that Head partners as opener alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder shifts to No 5.
Smith said a definite call on the team might come later on Wednesday, but alternatively, it may wait until the Thursday. The Test starts at the Gabba at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.
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