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One might speculate whether Cricket Australia intentionally chooses to be unclear about player availability or simply has a deficiency in public relations, but yet again, the fitness of players and final team composition must be inferred from the 14-player squad announcement for the Brisbane match.

Normally, an unchanged squad would not be much news, but this time it is, due to the anticipated changes involving both key players, none of which has now eventuated.

The unexpected element is Cummins for not being included, with the team skipper and pace spearhead progressing in rehabilitation from initial symptoms of a back injury. The sole official statement was a cursory line with the squad release stating that Cummins is scheduled to go to Brisbane to further his training.”

Suggestions from within CA support the view that this is all situation normal and his recovery remains happily on track, with a probable return to the team in the near future. In theory, Cummins could even join the Brisbane squad in coming days if he and management so choose. However, the explanations seem inconsistent.

Recalling when his medical tests came back positive in October, initiating the countdown on his buildup to match fitness, all official statements from the player and board schedules 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, “Cummins will be fit to bowl 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 seen bowling in the state facilities without any visible restrictions and, importantly, was training with a pink ball, presumably as readiness for the Brisbane day-night game.

So, why the change of plans, well over a month since he indicated requiring four weeks to build up bowling loads, and with six days until the first ball in the Gabba? Additionally, there are over a week’s break between Brisbane and the third Test. Should he target Adelaide, it will be over two months since he started training again.

That in itself is fine: medical opinions evolve, medical staff can be conservative, athletes might take care. What’s strange is that during the high-profile Ashes contest in Australia’s calendar, the governing body’s representatives don’t appear to consider it necessary to provide updates about the captain’s fitness and availability or the evolving status of either.

If care is the priority with the captain, the opposite applies with the opener’s issue. He had muscle spasms in Perth during brief periods on the field, keeping Australia’s usual opener from doing so in the match and from having any influence when he eventually batted. Even if his symptoms have subsided, the newness of the problem surely leaves some risk that they could return in the heat of the next Test.

His inclusion suggests he is due to resume opening the batting, even though his replacement scored a historic hundred in his place. Khawaja wouldn’t be picked as a backup or to play lower. But again, there is no confirmation about this, only the squad listing.

This doesn’t mean 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 Head’s whirlwind captured public attention, it would cause no issue to confirm where those two players are due to bat. A bit of mystery in life is a good thing, but manufacturing it out of the clearly evident is unnecessary. If you’re in the business of engaging fans, communication goes a long way.