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You could wonder whether the Australian cricket board intentionally chooses to be opaque about player availability 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 selection in the larger squad for the Brisbane match.

Normally, an unchanged squad would not be much news, but on this occasion it is, thanks to the possible movement involving Pat Cummins and Usman Khawaja, none of which has now eventuated.

The unexpected element is Cummins for his omission, with the regular captain and pace spearhead progressing in rehabilitation from initial symptoms of a back injury. The sole official statement was a cursory line with the team announcement stating that Cummins is scheduled to go to Brisbane to further his training.”

Suggestions from within CA indicate that everything is on track and his healing is proceeding well, 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, something the claims doesn’t add up.

Recalling when his medical tests came back positive in last month, starting the clock on his buildup to match fitness, all public commentary from the bowler himself and board schedules suggested he would just be unavailable for the initial match and was scheduled to train at nearly full tilt 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 observed practicing in the New South Wales nets without any visible restrictions and, most notably, was training with a pink ball, presumably as readiness for the Brisbane day-night game.

What prompted the shift, more than four weeks since Cummins said he would need four weeks to build up 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 over two months since he resumed bowling.

That in itself is fine: prognoses can change, medical staff can be conservative, players can be cautious. What’s strange is that during the most anticipated and closely followed Test series in the season, the board officials seem not to think it reasonable to share updates about the skipper’s condition or the changing nature of either.

And if caution is the watchword with the captain, the reverse is true with Khawaja’s back injury. He had muscle spasms in the first Test during brief periods on the field, keeping Australia’s usual opener from playing his role in both innings and from having any influence when he eventually batted. Though he may have improved, 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 opening the batting, even though his replacement scored a historic hundred 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, just the selection.

This doesn’t mean that sides must reveal a whole XI when announcing selections, and plans can change. 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 confirm where those two players are slotted to play. A bit of mystery in sports is a good thing, but manufacturing it out of the clearly evident is needless. For those aiming of winning over audiences, communication goes a long way.