Australia keeps playing XI under wraps as shock Ashes selection looms; Pat Cummins comeback whispers grow for Gabba Test

Australia has delayed naming its playing XI for the Gabba Test, triggering fresh intrigue ahead of the second Ashes Test starting Thursday in Brisbane. Selectors are reportedly weighing an unexpected change, keeping fans and pundits in suspense. Adding fuel to the fire are growing whispers about Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back, potentially returning sooner than expected, despite earlier indications he was ruled out.

Travis Head, fresh off his match-winning century as a stand-in opener in Perth, is expected to keep his place at the top in Usman Khawaja’s absence, while England-born Josh Inglis is likely to bolster the middle order.

WILL PAT CUMMINS PLAY IN THE GABBA TEST?

Speaking on the eve of the Gabba Test, stand-in skipper Steve Smith declined to reveal the final XI and sidestepped the growing chatter about a possible Cummins return - speculation that dominated headlines across the Australian press throughout Wednesday. Interestingly, Cummins was not included in Australia’s 14-man squad for the second Test.

Smith, however, acknowledged that Cummins had been bowling impressively in training as he worked his way back from a long-running back injury.


"A whole heap of things I think are on the table. We'll wait and see what the wicket looks like, and from there we'll determine a playing XI," Smith said in the pre-game press conference.

"He looks pretty good to me, the way he's bowled in the nets. Obviously, games are a different intensity, for sure, but he's tracking really nicely. He knows his body well, and yeah, we'll wait and see," he added.

INGLIS ALL SET TO PLAY SECOND ASHES TEST

Inglis must also wait to find out whether he has secured a recall. He is viewed as the frontrunner to replace the injured Khawaja.

"A heap of things are on the table," Smith said. "We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a playing XI."

"Inglis is obviously a pretty attacking batsman. Did really well on his debut in Sri Lanka, he’s been in really good form... He plays fast bowling really nicely. So if he gets his opportunity I’m sure he’ll do really well for us."

According to The Guardian, Smith said the final playing XI might be confirmed later on Wednesday, though it could also be postponed until match day. The Gabba Test is scheduled to start at 2P M local time (3 PM AEDT) on Thursday.