Australia captain Steve Smith has left the door open for a surprise return of fast bowler Pat Cummins in the second Ashes Test against England, while backing middle-order batter Josh Inglis to make an impact if selected.
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Cummins missed Australia’s eight-wicket victory in Perth due to a back injury and was omitted from the second Test squad named last week. Speaking from Brisbane, Smith said Cummins appeared in good condition during training and may be considered by selectors for the pink ball match at the Gabba starting Thursday.
“He looks pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,” Smith said. “Obviously the game’s a different intensity, but he’s tracking really nicely, knows his body well, and we’ll wait and see.”
Selectors could also opt to retain specialist spinner Nathan Lyon and drop one-Test fast bowler Brendan Doggett to make room for Cummins. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja, ruled out with a back injury, is unlikely to return, and Travis Head is expected to open the batting after his match-winning 123 from 83 balls in Perth.
Josh Inglis, England-born wicketkeeper-batter, could slot into the middle order for his first Test on home soil. Inglis impressed with a debut century against Sri Lanka in Galle in January and has maintained strong form against fast bowling. Smith expressed confidence in his ability to perform if given the opportunity.
“Yeah, he’s obviously a pretty attacking batsman,” Smith said. “He 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 an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”
Australia have historically excelled in day-night Tests at home, winning 12 of 13 matches with only one loss to the West Indies at the Gabba in January 2024. The pink ball used in day-night games can be challenging during twilight and evening sessions due to swing, but Brisbane’s harder wicket may offer an advantage for batters compared to the softer surface at Adelaide Oval.
Smith emphasised that the team would assess the pitch during training before confirming the final XI on Thursday. Australia currently leads the five-Test Ashes series 1-0 following their rapid win in Perth and will aim to maintain momentum against England in the second encounter.
