“A heap of things are on the table,” Smith said on Wednesday.
“We’ll wait and see what the wicket is like and from there we’ll determine a playing XI. He’s (Cummins) looked pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets.
“Obviously games are different intensity but he’s tracking really nicely, he knows his body well but we’ll wait and see. He’s close, he’s done everything really well the last little bit,” he added.
Cummins’ return would be a huge boost for Australia as he boasts an average of 17.34 in pink-ball Tests. England won’t have fond memories of facing the Australian captain who had claimed a five-for the last time the two teams locked horns at the Gabba.
England captain Ben Stokes acknowledged the quality his opposite number brings to the table.
“Pat’s awesome. Has been for a very long time,” England captain Ben Stokes told reporters on Wednesday.
“He’s done great things not only as a player, but he’s been great since he’s been given the responsibility of being captain for Australia.
“Whatever XI they go with, if Pat’s there, if Pat’s not, we’ll still be going in trying to get a win this week,” he added.
