Australia have postponed naming their playing XI for the second Ashes Test against England, creating strong speculation that captain Pat Cummins could make an unexpected return to the lineup. The decision has sparked major interest across the cricket world, as Cummins has not played competitive cricket since July due to a persistent back injury.

Cummins’ Injury Comeback Creates Ashes Buzz

Cummins was sidelined for the first Test after struggling with a back issue that has kept him out for months. Despite missing the opener, the 32-year-old fast bowler has been steadily increasing his workload. He bowled in Perth during the first Test, trained again in Sydney after Australia’s victory, and continued training upon arrival in Brisbane for the day-night Test at the Gabba.

While Cummins was originally left out of the squad for the second Test, fresh training sessions in Brisbane have left selectors reconsidering their options. On Tuesday, he again bowled strongly in the nets, raising expectations of a potential return.

Decision Will Be Finalized at the Toss

Australia made their intentions clear by denying the possibility of an early team announcement. Instead, they confirmed the final XI will only be revealed at the toss on Thursday, keeping both fans and England guessing.

Steve Smith, who captained the side in Perth, explained that the team was still assessing conditions, player fitness, and tactical options before making a decision.

“He looks pretty good to me,” Smith said of Cummins’ progress. “He’s been bowling well, he knows his body, and he’s increasing his workloads nicely.”

Following a meeting between Cummins, Smith, head coach Andrew McDonald, and selector George Bailey, the uncertainty only deepened. The team later departed the ground without naming their squad.

Possible Selection Changes for Australia

If Cummins is deemed fit, he could replace debutant Brendan Doggett or, in a bolder move, Australia could opt to drop spinner Nathan Lyon and go without a frontline spin option on a pitch that may suit fast bowlers.

Usman Khawaja has been ruled out with back spasms, creating at least one confirmed change. Travis Head, who impressed with a match-winning century in Perth after stepping into the opener role, will continue at the top.

Josh Inglis, who moved to Australia at age 14 and made a century on his Test debut against Sri Lanka, is the frontrunner to replace Khawaja. Inglis has been training in the slip cordon and recently hit a hundred in a Cricket Australia XI match against the England Lions.

Smith praised Inglis’ readiness and aggressive batting style, noting his strong play against fast bowling.

England Confirm Their XI for Brisbane Test

England, who have not won a Test in Australia in nearly 15 years and have not claimed victory at the Gabba since 1986, have confirmed their lineup ahead of time.

Will Jacks, an all-rounder who bowls spin, has been selected for his first Test appearance in three years. He replaces injured quick Mark Wood. Stokes said the decision was influenced by the need for lower-order runs and a tactical preference for Jacks’ batting ability over Shoaib Bashir’s specialist spin.

Cummins’ Return Could Shift the Series Momentum

A return from Cummins—one of the world’s most effective fast bowlers—would be a significant boost for Australia, who already lead the series 1–0. Only Mitchell Starc has taken more wickets in pink-ball Tests than Cummins, yet Cummins boasts better averages and strike-rates with the pink ball.

His presence at number eight would also strengthen Australia’s tail, which looked vulnerable in Perth.

Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes acknowledged Cummins’ quality but insisted England’s focus remains on securing victory regardless of Australia’s final XI.

With the toss set to reveal Australia’s final decision, anticipation continues to build as fans await whether Pat Cummins will make one of the most surprising and impactful comebacks in recent Ashes history.