Aussie selectors set to make surprising Ashes call as Pat Cummins races the clock

Australian selectors are set to make a surprising call for the second Test at the Gabba that is sure to raise plenty of eyebrows.

Australia are set to turn to Josh Inglis for the second Test with the West Australian expected to be recalled to the middle order in a major reshuffle.

It comes as a bombshell rumour has emerged out of the Australian camp that captain Pat Cummins could be set to line up at the Gabba, despite being ruled out last week.

It is understood that Travis Head will be moved up the order to open the batting after Usman Khawaja was ruled out injured.

It was then believed that Beau Webster, one of the stars of last summer, would come into the middle order.

The Tasmanian hasn’t put a foot wrong in the seven Tests he has pulled on the baggy green.

But he again has reportedly been overlooked. Instead, it is Inglis who will get another chance.

Inglis has only made four Test appearances for Australia.

The 30-year-old scored a century on debut in Sri Lanka in January and filled in for Steve Smith in the West Indies.

It is understood Inglis could open with Jake Weatherald, but Smith refused to confirm what the final XI would be addressing the media on Thursday afternoon..

“A whole heap of things are on the table,” Smith said.

“It’s going to depend on how we match up. We will know later this afternoon once we see this wicket.

“He’s a pretty attacking batsman. Did pretty well in his debut in Sri Lanka, and has been in pretty good form.

“He plays fast bowling really well, so if he gets his opportunity, I’m sure he’ll do really well for us.”

Travis Head will open the batting in Usman Khawaja’s absence. (Photo by Paul Kane – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

Josh Inglis chats with coach Andrew McDonald (R) during an Australia nets session. (Photo by Philip Brown/Getty Images)

The other call being kept under wraps for now is what the bowling line-up will look like, in particular, if captain Cummins will come in.

The Aussie quick, who was not even named in the squad for the second Test, is being given until the 11th hour to push for a shock return, despite the fast bowler being previously ruled out.

And Smith refused to confirm if he is in or out.

“(Cummins) looks pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets. He is tracking really nicely, he knows his body well, so we’ll wait and see,” he said.

News.com.au understands that the final decision on Cummins will be made tonight but it is likely the call won’t be revealed until game day, with the Aussies happy to keep England guessing right up until the 2pm deadline.

If Cummins is to come into the team, it will either be at the expense of Brendan Doggett or Nathan Lyon.

Pat Cummins could make a shock return. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

But even if Cummins isn’t fit, Lyon is no guarantee to be named, with the pink ball suiting pace.

The veteran spinner only bowled two overs in Perth and did not play in Australia’s last pink-ball Test in Jamaica.

Selectors may be tempted to go with Michael Neser instead, especially given they opted against selecting Webster, another bowling option.

Elsewhere, England has confirmed its team for the second Test.

All-rounder Will Jacks will replace injured quick Mark Wood in their only change to the starting XI.

The second Ashes Test will get underway at the Gabba on Thursday, with the first ball scheduled for 3pm AEDT.

Originally published as Aussie selectors set to make surprising Ashes call as Pat Cummins races the clock