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One might speculate whether Cricket Australia deliberately prefers to be opaque about team selection or simply lacks effectiveness in public relations, but once again, the fitness of players and the makeup of the XI must be deduced from the 14-player squad announcement for the second Ashes Test.

Typically, an unchanged squad would not attract attention, but on this occasion it is, thanks to the anticipated changes involving both key players, neither of which has now eventuated.

The unexpected element is Cummins for not being included, with the team skipper and pace spearhead deep into his recovery from initial symptoms of a back injury. The sole official statement was a cursory line with the squad release stating that “Pat Cummins will travel to Brisbane to further his training.”

Suggestions from within CA indicate that this is all situation normal and his healing is proceeding well, with a likely addition to the side soon. Theoretically, he might still be added to the Brisbane squad in coming days if deemed fit by staff. But still, something the claims doesn’t add up.

Going back to when his medical tests came back positive in last month, initiating the countdown on his return to play, all official statements from the bowler himself and timelines from CA indicated he would only narrowly miss the first Test and was set to practice at close to full intensity with the squad in Perth. The head coach remarked, “Cummins will be fit to bowl in Perth, and fans will wonder why he’s not playing.”

After returning to Sydney following the team’s raucous two-day win, he was seen bowling in the New South Wales nets without any visible restrictions and, importantly, was training with a pink ball, what one would assume as readiness for the Brisbane day-night game.

So, why the change of plans, more than four weeks since he indicated requiring a month to prepare his workload, and with six days until the first ball in the Gabba? Additionally, there are over a week’s break between matches. Should he target Adelaide, it will be more than seven weeks since he resumed bowling.

This is acceptable: medical opinions evolve, doctors may be cautious, athletes might take care. What’s strange is that during the high-profile Test series in the season, the board officials don’t appear to consider it reasonable to share any information about the skipper’s condition or the changing nature of either.

If care is the priority with Cummins, the opposite applies with Khawaja’s back injury. He had muscle spasms in Perth during brief periods on the field, preventing the regular batsman from doing so in both innings and from having any influence when he did bat down the order. Even if his symptoms have subsided, the newness of the problem creates concern that they could return in the pressure of Brisbane.

His inclusion logically means he is set to return to the top order, even though Travis Head made a record-setting century in his place. He wouldn’t be selected as a backup or to bat down the order. Once more, there is no confirmation about this, only the squad listing.

It isn’t necessary that sides must reveal a full lineup when picking their squad, and strategies may shift. But some plans are firmer than others, and given the way Travis Head’s explosive performance drew fan interest, it would do no harm to clarify where both batsmen are slotted to play. A bit of mystery in sports is a good thing, but creating it out of the broadly obvious is unnecessary. For those aiming of engaging fans, communication goes a long way.