Pat Cummins eyeing early return from injury in Gabba Test with Josh Inglis poised for Ashes debut

Australian captain Pat Cummins is closing in on an 11th-hour return for the second Ashes Test, with Josh Inglis expected to be called in for the injured Usman Khawaja.

Cummins had been contending with a back issue since the winter West Indies tour, but is rated a good chance to be passed fit ahead of Thursday's toss at the Gabba.

The star paceman missed the victorious Ashes series opener and had initially been excluded from the squad for the second Test.

But Cummins has been bowling extensively in recent days and can be brought into the side from outside the squad.

He would likely replace recent debutant Brendan Doggett in the XI when Australia begin their push for a 2-0 series lead in the pink-ball Test.

Cummins joined coach Andrew McDonald, stand-in captain Steve Smith and chief selector George Bailey for their final inspection of the pitch just after 3.30pm (local time) on Wednesday.

Australia will not announce their XI until Thursday's toss, but Smith confirmed Cummins was impressing in his recovery.

"He looks pretty good to me, the way he's bowled in the nets," Smith said.

"Obviously games are a different intensity. He's tracking really nicely, he knows his body well. We'll wait and see."

English-born Inglis is expected to bat in the middle order in his first Test match on Australian soil as Travis Head continues replacing Khawaja at the top.

Inglis and Beau Webster had been considered the contenders to join the XI when Khawaja was ruled out with the back injury that scuppered him in the first Test.

Australia are expected to confirm that Inglis has beaten the towering all-rounder to the vacancy.

The day-night Test would be Inglis's fourth match in the baggy green after he made a memorable century on debut in Sri Lanka this year.

Inglis averages 29.75 across three Tests, unable to go on to a big score after that debut in Galle.

In a strong sign Inglis was closing in on selection for the Gabba, the 30-year-old on Tuesday spent extensive time training in the slips cordon, Khawaja's usual fielding spot.

Inglis is known for his proactive approach with the bat, so would provide extra batting firepower after a tough first innings at the crease for the hosts in Perth.

"(Inglis) is obviously an attacking batsman. He did really well on his debut in Sri Lanka and has been in really good form," Smith said.

"If he gets his opportunity he plays fast bowling really nicely. If he gets the opportunity I am sure he will do really well for us."

Smith was unsure whether Khawaja would feature again at Test level after failing in his bid to be fit for the second match of the series.

Khawaja's back injury meant he could not open the batting as planned in Perth, leaving Head to play a match-defining innings in his place at the top of the order.

He appears no guarantee to return to the XI even if fit for the third Test, given he turns 39 in less than three weeks and has made just one century since mid-2023.

"Usman has been a quality player over a long period of time," Smith said.

"Anyone that plays over 80 Tests is a good cricketer and has done exceptionally well.

"We will look at this game and how it goes, but that (whether he plays a role in the series) will be a question for the selectors moving forward."

AAP