Australian captain Pat Cummins is on track for a dramatic return to the squad for the second Test of the 2023 Ashes series at the Gabba, following a back injury that kept him out of the opening match. With Usman Khawaja sidelined due to injury, Josh Inglis is expected to step in, marking an important shift in the team dynamics.
Cummins has been managing a back issue that emerged during the winter tour to the West Indies. However, he has shown promising signs of recovery, having engaged in extensive bowling sessions and batting practice leading up to the match. The final decision on his fitness will be made on Wednesday, just before Thursday’s toss.
Team Changes and Strategy
Should Cummins be cleared to play, he is anticipated to replace Brendan Doggett, who made his debut in the first Test. Steve Smith, serving as the stand-in captain, indicated that the final XI will be determined after assessing the pitch conditions at 15:00 local time (16:00 AEDT) on Wednesday. Smith noted Cummins’ impressive form in the nets, stating, “He looks pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets. Obviously, games are a different intensity. He’s tracking really nicely; he knows his body well. We’ll wait and see.”
Inglis, who is expected to bat in the middle order, will be making his first Test appearance on Australian soil. He will likely fill in for Khawaja, who was unable to play due to a back injury sustained just before the first Test in Perth. Initially, both Inglis and Beau Webster were contenders to join the XI, but indications suggest that Inglis has emerged as the preferred choice.
This day-night Test will be significant for Inglis, who made a memorable debut in Sri Lanka earlier this year with a century. He currently averages 29.75 across three Test matches, with hopes to build upon his earlier performance. On Tuesday, he spent considerable time training in the slips, the position typically held by Khawaja, signaling his readiness for selection.
Looking Ahead
Smith praised Inglis for his aggressive batting style, which could add depth to the Australian lineup following a challenging first innings performance in Perth. “If he gets his opportunity, he plays fast bowling really nicely. If he gets the opportunity, I am sure he will do really well for us,” Smith added.
The future of Khawaja in the series remains uncertain. His back injury prevented him from opening the batting as intended in Perth, forcing Travis Head to take his place at the top of the order. As Khawaja approaches his 39th birthday in less than three weeks, speculation arises regarding his long-term role in the team, especially after scoring only one century since mid-2023.
“Usman has been a quality player over a long period of time,” Smith remarked. “Anyone that plays over 80 Tests is a good cricketer and has done exceptionally well. We will look at this game and how it goes, but that will be a question for the selectors moving forward.”
As Australia gears up for this crucial Test, the return of Cummins and the introduction of Inglis could prove pivotal in their quest for a 2-0 series lead.
