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You could wonder whether Cricket Australia intentionally chooses to be unclear about team selection or simply has a deficiency in public relations, but yet again, the fitness of players and final team composition must be inferred from the selection in the larger squad for the second Ashes Test.

Normally, an unchanged squad would not be much news, but on this occasion it is, thanks to the anticipated changes involving both key players, neither of which has come to pass.

The unexpected element is Cummins for his omission, with the regular captain and fast-bowling leader progressing in rehabilitation from initial symptoms of a stress fracture. The only public acknowledgment was a cursory line with the squad release stating that Cummins is scheduled to go to Brisbane to further his training.”

Insider reports indicate that this is all situation normal and his recovery remains happily on track, with a probable return to the team in the near future. Theoretically, Cummins could even join the Test squad in coming days if he and management so choose. However, the explanations seem inconsistent.

Recalling when his medical tests came back positive in last month, starting the clock on his buildup to match fitness, all official statements from the player and timelines from CA suggested he would only narrowly miss the first Test and was set to practice at nearly full tilt with the team during the match. Coach Andrew McDonald said, “He will be up and bowling in Perth, and people will be sitting there questioning why he’s not playing.”

After returning to Sydney following the team’s raucous two-day win, he was observed practicing in the state facilities without any apparent limitations and, most notably, was training with a pink ball, presumably as preparation for the day-night Test.

What prompted the shift, well over a month since Cummins said he would need a month to prepare his workload, and with less than a week to go 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 started training again.

This is acceptable: medical opinions evolve, doctors may be cautious, athletes might take care. What’s strange is that during the most anticipated and closely followed Test series in Australia’s calendar, the board officials don’t appear to consider it reasonable to share updates about the skipper’s condition or the evolving status of either.

If care is the priority with the captain, the opposite applies with Khawaja’s back injury. He had muscle spasms in Perth during brief periods on the field, keeping Australia’s usual opener from doing so in both innings and from making an impact when he did bat down the order. Though he may have improved, the fact he’d not experienced them before creates concern that they might recur in the pressure of Brisbane.

With Khawaja in the squad 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 play lower. Once more, there is no confirmation about this, only the squad listing.

This doesn’t mean that sides must reveal a whole XI when picking their squad, and plans can change. However, certain decisions are clearer than others, and given the way Head’s whirlwind drew fan interest, it would cause no issue to confirm where those two players are due to bat. A bit of mystery in sports is a good thing, but creating it out of the clearly evident is unnecessary. For those aiming of winning over audiences, communication goes a long way.