Pat Cummins eyeing an early comeback from injury for the Gabba Test, with Josh Inglis set to make his Ashes debut in place of Usman Khawaja.
Australian captain Pat Cummins is tentatively aiming for a last-minute return for the second Ashes Test. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis appears all but certain to be recalled to the XI to cover Khawaja’s injury absence.
Cummins has been battling a back problem since the winter West Indies tour but is reported to be a strong chance to be passed fit on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s toss at the Gabba. He has bowled extensively in the lead-up and even batted in the nets during Tuesday night’s session.
If cleared, Cummins would likely replace debutant Brendan Doggett and bolster Australia’s push to go 2-0 in the pink-ball Test.
Steve Smith indicated the final XI would not be confirmed until they assess the Gabba pitch, described as looking like a typical green wicket, at 3pm local time (4pm AEDT) on Wednesday. He did, however, praise Cummins’ progress, noting that while nets form is promising, match intensity can differ.
Inglis, born in England, is expected to slot into the middle order in his first Test on home soil as Travis Head continues to open in Khawaja’s absence. Inglis and fellow all-rounder Beau Webster had been the leading contenders to fill the vacancy when Khawaja was ruled out with a back injury that disrupted the Perth Test.
Australia are anticipated to confirm that Inglis has edged out the other challenger to win the spot. This would mark Inglis’ fourth Test appearance and his first on Australian soil after a memorable century on debut in Sri Lanka earlier this year. He has averaged 29.75 across his three Tests and, despite a modest run since that Galle century, remains a potent attacking option with the bat.
Imminent signs suggested Inglis was closing in on selection, with Tuesday’s training showing him fielding extensively in the slips, Khawaja’s usual position. Known for his proactive batting approach, Inglis would add extra firepower to Australia’s lineup after a tougher first innings in Perth.
Smith added that the decision would hinge on the pitch’s characteristics later on Wednesday. Inglis, who relishes pace bowling, performed well on debut against Sri Lanka and has been in good form—his selection would provide Australia with another aggressive option in the lineup.
Smith also suggested Khawaja’s Test future remains uncertain after his back issue and a lack of runs since mid-2023. While Khawaja has contributed significantly in the past, his current form and fitness will be evaluated alongside team needs for the rest of the series. He acknowledged that any call on Khawaja’s role for the remainder of the tour would be a matter for selectors moving forward.
