Australia has delayed naming its team for the second Ashes Test against England, leaving the door open for captain Pat Cummins to make a shock return. The 32-year-old bowler missed the first Test with a back injury that has kept him out of action since July.
Cummins bowled in the nets in Perth during the first Test and again in Sydney following Australia's victory, but was left out of the squad for the day-night Test in Brisbane starting on Thursday. However, he trained in Brisbane, sparking hopes that he could be included in the XI at the Gabba.
Australia team selector George Bailey said there were "a whole heap of things are on the table" regarding Cummins' availability, leaving the door open for his return. Smith praised Cummins' form and skills as a bowler, saying he has been bowling nicely in the nets and is tracking well.
The return of Cummins would be a huge boost to an Australia team 1-0 up and with the chance to move a step closer to retaining the Ashes. Only Mitchell Starc has taken more wickets in floodlit Tests than Cummins, who has a better average, strike-rate, and economy rate when bowling with a pink ball compared to the red.
In batting at number eight, Cummins would also boost an Australia batting order that included a long tail in Perth. Spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks has been included for his first Test in three years, replacing injured pace bowler Mark Wood. England confirmed their team on Tuesday, but it remains to be seen whether they can pose a credible threat to Australia's lead.
The Ashes series is one of cricket's most iconic rivalries, with the two teams competing for the coveted urn trophy. The competition is expected to be fierce, with both teams eager to come out on top and claim the title.
With Cummins' potential return, the stage is set for a thrilling second Test at the Gabba. Will Australia continue their winning streak, or can England mount a comeback? One thing is certain - the Ashes series will be a must-watch event for cricket fans around the world.
Cummins bowled in the nets in Perth during the first Test and again in Sydney following Australia's victory, but was left out of the squad for the day-night Test in Brisbane starting on Thursday. However, he trained in Brisbane, sparking hopes that he could be included in the XI at the Gabba.
Australia team selector George Bailey said there were "a whole heap of things are on the table" regarding Cummins' availability, leaving the door open for his return. Smith praised Cummins' form and skills as a bowler, saying he has been bowling nicely in the nets and is tracking well.
The return of Cummins would be a huge boost to an Australia team 1-0 up and with the chance to move a step closer to retaining the Ashes. Only Mitchell Starc has taken more wickets in floodlit Tests than Cummins, who has a better average, strike-rate, and economy rate when bowling with a pink ball compared to the red.
In batting at number eight, Cummins would also boost an Australia batting order that included a long tail in Perth. Spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks has been included for his first Test in three years, replacing injured pace bowler Mark Wood. England confirmed their team on Tuesday, but it remains to be seen whether they can pose a credible threat to Australia's lead.
The Ashes series is one of cricket's most iconic rivalries, with the two teams competing for the coveted urn trophy. The competition is expected to be fierce, with both teams eager to come out on top and claim the title.
With Cummins' potential return, the stage is set for a thrilling second Test at the Gabba. Will Australia continue their winning streak, or can England mount a comeback? One thing is certain - the Ashes series will be a must-watch event for cricket fans around the world.
This is getting good! So Australia's team selector George Bailey is just leaving everything on the table (literally) regarding Pat Cummins' availability... like, what's the worst that could happen? 
Meanwhile, Smith thinks he's been bowling nicely in the nets, but I'm pretty sure all that matters is whether his back's still hurting or not 
. And let's be real, if Cummins comes back in, it's gonna be a whole different story... like, England might actually have a chance 
! The Ashes series is always a must-watch, but this one's gotta be interesting with the Aussies on top and Cummins lurking in the shadows 
. Bring it on! 
. I get it, he's a great bowler and all that jazz, but let's not forget about the team dynamics here 
. Can't they just focus on playing some solid cricket for once? 
... it'll be interesting to see how this all unfolds! 
but umm will england even be able to compete with australia's lead now? they're 1-0 up and have a strong team 
! He's been bowling nicely in the nets and his stats are pretty impressive when it comes to the pink ball, you know? 
It would be huge for Australia to get him back on the pitch, especially with England looking fierce 
. I think Smith has got a good eye for spotting talent, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed he gets the nod 
. The Ashes series is always gonna be an epic battle between these two teams 
, and I'm loving the energy around it 
️. With Smith's praise and Bailey's hints about Cummins' availability, it seems like the door is indeed open for his return 
. That would be a huge morale boost for the team, especially considering they're already 1-0 up in the series 
. I'm excited to see how this develops and whether England can mount a comeback 
. He's been out with a back injury since July and we don't even know if it's fully cleared for action yet 
. What if he gets hurt again? The team needs him to be 100% before throwing him into the mix 
.
. The Ashes series is going to be intense regardless, so I'd rather see Australia focus on the task at hand and not get distracted by speculation about individual players 
.
that's crazy! Cummins was out with a back injury but training in Brisbane already got his name on the table again 
and what about England? Their team is out, can they still mount a comeback? 
. Australia needs him to be 100% fit if they want to take advantage of England's weakness in the middle order 
. And let's not forget about Starc, who's been doing some amazing work with the ball in floodlit conditions 
. I'm still expecting Australia to come out on top, but it won't be as easy as they think 
.
. It's gonna be a real clash of titans at the Gabba, and I'm excited to see how it all unfolds 
! I'm so hyped about Pat Cummins potential return 4 Aus!!! 
He's been training hard n it's clear he's got his form back 
But at the same time, if his form is looking good in the nets, it’s hard to keep him on the bench 
. The thing that worries me is that if he does come back, Australia might take their foot off the pedal and get complacent... 
I think England could still cause a stir if they can put some pressure on the Aussies, especially with Will Jacks coming in for his first Test in three years 
. It’s gonna be an interesting second Test! 
. He'd definitely bring an extra boost to their bowling attack, which has been solid so far 
gotta give him a chance to prove himself again 
️ this Ashes series is shaping up to be epic 
. Bring it on! 
, each one has a special skill: Pat Cummins 
, Smith 
️... and now Cummins might join the party! 
:
. Will England mount a comeback or will Australia retain the Ashes? 
. One thing is for sure - it's going to be a thrilling ride! 