Australia v England: Ashes second Test, day one live

"We might have to wait to find out the Australia XI until either Pat Cummins or Steve Smith walk on to the Gabba alongside England captain Ben Stokes for the toss. But Geoff Lemon has already dived into what that call will mean for the hosts and the second Test. Cummins, it seems, is now feeling good enough in training that waiting for the third Test in Adelaide seems excessive."

"But overnight nerves might get the better of anyone in the decision-making chain, pondering the fallout that would await them if that comeback turned out to be too soon. That leaves a nation of Australians in the highly unusual position of going to sleep the night before a Test match without knowing who will captain the team the next day. The stand-in, Steve Smith, took the press conference as though he would do the job, but declined to confirm that this would be the case."

"If Cummins returns, the cards in the dealer's hands could be whisked in various ways around the table. Perhaps in order to mitigate the number of overs required of him, he could be part of a four-man pace attack and replace Nathan Lyon. That might also mean bringing Beau Webster into the middle order, given he could offer spin. If Cummins plays alongside Lyon, instead replacing Brendan Doggett as one of three quicks, Webster could still be included to bowl backup seam alongside Cameron Green."

Australia's final XI for the second Ashes Test remains undecided until either Pat Cummins or Steve Smith step out for the toss. Cummins appears to have trained well and might be available, but medical caution and overnight nerves could delay confirmation. Steve Smith acted as stand-in captain at the press conference but did not confirm he would retain the role. Selection permutations include Cummins replacing Nathan Lyon to form a four-man pace attack, or replacing Brendan Doggett while keeping Lyon, with Beau Webster a candidate to provide spin or seam-reinforcement alongside Cameron Green. Travis Head inspected the pitch before play.

Read at www.theguardian.com