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One might speculate whether the Australian cricket board deliberately prefers to be unclear about player availability or simply lacks effectiveness in public relations, but yet again, the fitness of players and final team composition must be deduced from the selection in the larger squad for the second Ashes Test.

Typically, an unchanged squad would not be much news, but on this occasion it is, thanks to the anticipated changes involving both key players, neither of which has come to pass.

Cummins is the surprise for his omission, with the team skipper and pace spearhead progressing in rehabilitation from initial symptoms of a stress fracture. The only public acknowledgment was a cursory line with the team announcement stating that “Pat Cummins will travel to Brisbane to continue his preparations.”

Insider reports indicate that this is all situation normal and his recovery remains happily on track, with a probable return to the team in the near future. Theoretically, Cummins could even join the Brisbane squad in coming days if deemed fit by staff. But still, something the claims doesn’t add up.

Going back to when Cummins’ scans were cleared in last month, starting the clock on his buildup to match fitness, all official statements from the player and timelines from CA suggested he would only narrowly miss the first Test and was scheduled to train at close to full intensity 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 victory in the west, he was seen bowling in the New South Wales nets without any apparent limitations and, most notably, 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 Cummins said he would need a month to prepare his workload, 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. If the latter is Cummins’ destination, it will be over two months since he started training again.

That in itself is fine: medical opinions evolve, doctors may be cautious, athletes might take care. It’s just peculiar is that during the high-profile Ashes contest in the season, the governing body’s representatives don’t appear to consider it necessary to provide any information about the captain’s fitness and availability or the changing nature of either.

And if caution is the watchword with Cummins, the reverse is true with Khawaja’s back injury. He had muscle spasms in Perth during brief periods on the field, keeping Australia’s usual opener from playing his role in the match and from making an impact when he eventually batted. Though he may have improved, the newness of the problem creates concern that they could return in the heat of the next Test.

With Khawaja in the squad suggests he is set to return to opening the batting, even though his replacement scored a historic hundred in Perth. He wouldn’t be selected as a backup or to bat down the order. Once more, there is no official information about this, only the squad listing.

This doesn’t mean that teams should have to give a whole XI when picking their squad, and plans can change. But some plans are firmer than others, and considering how Travis Head’s explosive performance captured public attention, it would cause no issue to confirm where both batsmen are slotted to play. A bit of mystery in life is a positive, but manufacturing it out of the clearly evident is unnecessary. For those aiming of winning over audiences, transparency is crucial.