Australia have held off announcing their team for the second Ashes Test against England, keeping alive the possibility that captain Pat Cummins could make a surprise comeback.
Cummins missed the first Test because of a back injury that has kept him out since July. He bowled in the nets during the first Test in Perth and again in Sydney afterwards, but still wasn’t picked for the squad heading into Thursday’s day-night Test in Brisbane.
However, after training again in Brisbane on Tuesday, Australia refused to rule out adding him to the final XI at the last minute. Steve Smith, who captained the first Test, said they would confirm the team later, and after meetings at the Gabba, Australia decided they won’t reveal their XI until the toss on Thursday.
Smith said many options were being considered:
“He looks good to me… he’s been bowling well, knows his body, and he’s feeling good.”
If Cummins plays, he could replace Brendan Doggett or, if Australia choose to go without a specialist spinner, Nathan Lyon. Australia sometimes announce their team late, and this delay may also be a tactic to keep England guessing.
England captain Ben Stokes praised Cummins, saying:
“Pat’s awesome… he’s done great things as a player and as captain.”
But added that England will focus on winning regardless of who Australia pick.
Australia will make at least one change because opener Usman Khawaja hasn’t recovered from back spasms. Josh Inglis is expected to come in, with Travis Head staying as opener after his century in Perth.
Inglis, who moved to Australia at 14, scored a century on Test debut this year and hit another hundred against England Lions last week. Smith called him an attacking player who handles fast bowling well.
If Cummins returns, it would be a major boost for Australia. He is one of the best fast bowlers in the world and has outstanding pink-ball stats. His batting at number eight would also strengthen a long tail exposed in the first Test.
England, meanwhile, have already named their team. Will Jacks comes in for injured fast bowler Mark Wood, chosen over spinner Shoaib Bashir because he offers more runs down the order.
