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One might speculate whether the Australian cricket board intentionally chooses to be opaque about player availability or simply lacks effectiveness in communications, but once again, the fitness of players and final team composition must be deduced from the selection in the larger squad for the second Ashes Test.

Normally, an identical team list would not be much news, but on this occasion it is, thanks to the anticipated changes involving both key players, neither of which has now eventuated.

The unexpected element is Cummins 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 cursory line with the squad release stating that “Pat Cummins will travel to Brisbane to further his training.”

Insider reports support the view that everything is on track and his healing is proceeding well, with a probable return to the side soon. In theory, Cummins could even join the Test squad in coming days if deemed fit by staff. But still, something the claims doesn’t add up.

Recalling when Cummins’ scans were cleared in last month, starting the clock on his buildup to match fitness, all official statements from the bowler himself and board schedules suggested he would just be unavailable for the first Test and was set to practice at nearly full tilt with the squad in Perth. Coach Andrew McDonald said, “Cummins will be fit to bowl 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 apparent limitations and, most notably, was training with a pink ball, presumably as preparation for the day-night Test.

So, why the change of plans, well over a month since he indicated requiring a month to prepare bowling loads, and with six days until the first ball in the Gabba? Not to mention, there are eight more days of rest between matches. If the latter is Cummins’ destination, it will be over two months since he started training again.

This is acceptable: medical opinions evolve, doctors may be cautious, players can be cautious. What’s strange is that during the most anticipated and closely followed Test series in Australia’s calendar, the board officials seem not to think it necessary to provide any information about the skipper’s condition or the changing nature of either.

If care is the priority with the captain, the reverse is true with Khawaja’s back injury. He had spasms flare up in the first Test during brief periods on the field, preventing the regular batsman from doing so in the match and from having any influence when he did bat down the order. Though he may have improved, the newness of the problem creates concern that they could return in the pressure of Brisbane.

His inclusion suggests he is set to return to opening the batting, even though his replacement scored a historic hundred in Perth. Khawaja wouldn’t be picked as a reserve or to bat down the order. 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. But some plans are firmer than others, and given the way Travis Head’s explosive performance captured public attention, it would cause no issue to clarify where those two players are due to bat. A bit of mystery in life is a positive, but creating it out of the broadly obvious is unnecessary. For those aiming of engaging fans, communication goes a long way.