Pat Cummins could make a surprise return as Australia’s captain for the second Ashes Test, with stand-in skipper Steve Smith confirming that the pace spearhead remains in contention for the pink-ball match against England. Speaking to reporters in Brisbane on Wednesday, Smith said Australia was yet to finalise its XI for the Gabba Test, which begins on Thursday.
“A heap of things is on the table. We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like, and from there we’ll determine a playing XI,” Smith said.
Cummins, who missed the opening Test win in Perth as he continued his rehab from a back stress injury, has rejoined the squad in Brisbane, but was not included in the initial 14-player group. Despite that, Smith suggested the door remains open.
“He’s looked pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets. Obviously, games are different intensities, but he’s tracking really nicely; he knows his body well, but we’ll wait and see. He’s close; he’s done everything really well the last little bit,” Smith said.
In a conversation with The New Ball on SEN, Smith reiterated that the decision will depend on conditions. “The coach and Patty and the selectors and all of us want to have a look at this surface and see what it looks like when they cut the grass off. We haven’t ruled him out; he has certainly done really well in the last couple of weeks. He’s bowled beautifully in the nets and is pretty close.”
Smith also noted Cummins’ strong rhythm leading up to the match. “I thought he was pretty good in Perth as well. Obviously, that practice wicket in Perth was fast and bouncy, and any fast bowler would want to bowl with the new ball on that. In the nets out here, he bowled really nicely. He’s tracking along well; I think he’s pulling up well from his bowels. His back is feeling good, so we’ll wait and see,” he added.
Australia will, however, be forced into at least one change, with Usman Khawaja ruled out of the match. Reports indicate Josh Inglis is likely to slot into the middle order, with Travis Head expected to move up and open. Smith said no final call had been made.
“It’s going to depend on how we match up. We will know later this afternoon once we see this wicket. He’s a pretty attacking batsman. Did pretty well in his debut in Sri Lanka and has been in pretty good form. He plays fast bowling really well, so if he gets his opportunity, I’m sure he’ll do really well for us,” he said.