Cummins in contention for Ashes return as Smith keeps captaincy call open

Pat Cummins could make a surprise return as Australia's captain for the second Ashes Test, with stand-in skipper Steve Smith confirming that the pace spearhead remains in contention for the pink-ball match against England.

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Speaking to reporters in Brisbane on Wednesday, Smith said Australia was yet to finalise its XI for the Gabba Test, which begins on Thursday.

"A heap of things are on the table. We'll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we'll determine a playing XI," Smith said.

Cummins, who missed the opening Test win in Perth as he continued rehab from a back stress injury, has rejoined the squad in Brisbane but was not included in the initial 14-player group. Despite that, Smith suggested the door remains open.