Dec 3 : Australia captain Steve Smith has declined to rule out a surprise return for fast bowler Pat Cummins for the second Ashes test against England, while backing middle order option Josh Inglis to make a difference if picked by selectors.

Regular skipper Cummins missed Australia's eight-wicket win in the Perth opener while recovering from a back injury and was omitted from the second test squad named last week.

Smith, however, said Cummins appeared in good condition at training and may be part of selectors' conversations for the pink ball match.

"He looks pretty good to me, the way he's bowled in the nets," the master batter told reporters in Brisbane, where the second test will begin at the Gabba on Thursday.

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