After another examination of the pitch, selectors are anticipated to make a final decision on Wednesday afternoon over Pat Cummins‘ potential spectacular comeback to Australia’s starting lineup for the second Test match against England at the Gabba. At the news conference on Wednesday, Australia’s acting captain, Steven Smith, said that a decision will be made later in the day and did not confirm the final XI.
Smith made it possible for Cummins to take over as captain again and for Australia to skip Nathan Lyon, their only specialist spinner, for the second straight day-night Test. Usman Khawaja, the team’s injured opener, must also be replaced. Josh Inglis seems to be the front-runner to take Beau Webster’s place in the middle order, while Travis Head may go up to open. Smith was unable to verify either modification at the time, though.
“I believe there are a lot of things on the table. Smith was reported by ESPNcricinfo as saying, “We’ll wait and see what the wicket looks like, and then we’ll determine a playing XI.”
Cummins was not included in Australia’s 14-man Gabba Test team when it was revealed last Friday, so his possible inclusion would be unexpected. He was never formally ruled out, though, as selectors were pleased by his potent bowling sessions in the nets at Brisbane and Perth after he recovered from a lower back stress fracture.
“Based on his bowling performance in the nets, I think he looks fairly decent. Games are undoubtedly a different level of intensity, but he’s tracking rather well. We’ll wait and see,” Smith remarked, adding that he is well-aware of his body.
Cummins might take Brendan Doggett’s position in the starting lineup, although there would be workload issues.
Given that he hasn’t participated in any competitive cricket since July, Australia’s medical staff would probably feel more at ease if he bowled in an all-pace attack because it would reduce his workload, particularly if selectors determined Lyon wasn’t needed for the pink-ball match.
Lyon bowled just one over in Australia’s pink-ball Test against India in Adelaide last year and was left out of the team’s most recent day-night Test in July in Jamaica. Although Smith said he was not yet sure of Lyon’s assured spot in the starting lineup, he did bowl 50 overs in the final day-night Test at the Gabba in 2024.
“I’m not certain. As I mentioned, we will examine the surface and then summarise the situation. Additionally, I believe Nathan has performed really well here in the past. He’s a good bowler. However, we’ll consider our choices and see how things work out,” Smith said.
In the run-up to the Test match, the Gabba surface has looked extremely green. For the first three days of the match, Brisbane is expected to see warm, dry weather.
“It’s still a touch soft and grassy. It will undoubtedly roast in the sun today, and I believe [the curator] may remove a small portion of it, so in a few hours it may be slightly different,” Smith said.
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