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You could wonder whether Cricket Australia intentionally chooses to be opaque about player availability or simply lacks effectiveness 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.

Typically, an unchanged squad would not attract attention, but on this occasion it is, thanks to the possible movement involving both key players, none of which has now eventuated.

Cummins is the surprise for his omission, with the regular captain and fast-bowling leader progressing in rehabilitation from early signs of a stress fracture. The sole official statement was a brief mention with the team announcement stating that Cummins is scheduled to go to Brisbane to continue his preparations.”

Suggestions from within CA support the view that this is all situation normal and his healing is proceeding well, with a likely addition to the side soon. In theory, he might still be added to the Brisbane squad in coming days if deemed fit by staff. However, the explanations seem inconsistent.

Recalling when Cummins’ scans were cleared in October, initiating the countdown on his buildup to match fitness, all public commentary from the bowler himself and board schedules suggested he would only narrowly miss the first Test and was scheduled to train at close to full intensity with the squad in Perth. The head coach remarked, “He will be up and bowling 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 state facilities without any apparent limitations and, most notably, was using a pink Kookaburra ball, what one would assume as preparation for the day-night Test.

What prompted the shift, more than four weeks since Cummins said he would need four weeks to build up bowling loads, and with less than a week to go in the Gabba? Additionally, there are over a week’s break between Brisbane and the third Test. If the latter is Cummins’ destination, it will be over two months since he resumed bowling.

That in itself is fine: medical opinions evolve, medical staff can be conservative, athletes might take care. It’s just peculiar is that during the most anticipated and closely followed Test series in the season, the board officials don’t appear to consider it reasonable to share updates about the skipper’s condition or the changing nature of either.

If care is the priority with the captain, the reverse is true with the opener’s issue. He had spasms flare up in Perth during two paltry fielding innings, keeping Australia’s usual opener from playing his role in both innings and from making an impact when he did bat down the order. Though he may have improved, the newness of the problem surely leaves some risk that they might recur in the heat of the next Test.

His inclusion suggests he is due to resume opening the batting, even though Travis Head made a record-setting century in his place. Khawaja wouldn’t be picked as a reserve or to play lower. But again, there is no confirmation about this, only the squad listing.

It isn’t necessary that teams should have to give a full lineup when announcing selections, and plans can change. However, certain decisions are clearer than others, and considering how Travis Head’s explosive performance captured public attention, it would do no harm to clarify where those two players are due to bat. A bit of mystery in sports is a positive, but creating it out of the clearly evident is unnecessary. If you’re in the business of engaging fans, communication goes a long way.