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You could wonder whether the Australian cricket board deliberately prefers to be unclear about player availability or simply lacks effectiveness in communications, 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 identical team list would not attract attention, but on this occasion it is, due to the possible movement involving both key players, neither of which has come to pass.

Cummins is the surprise for not being included, with the regular captain and pace spearhead deep into his recovery 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 probable return to the side soon. In theory, Cummins could even join the Brisbane squad in the next few 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 return to play, all official statements from the bowler himself and timelines from CA suggested he would only narrowly miss the initial match and was scheduled to train 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.”

Once Cummins got back to his home city following the victory in the west, he was seen bowling in the state facilities without any apparent limitations and, most notably, was training with a pink ball, presumably as readiness for the Brisbane day-night game.

What prompted the shift, well over a month since he indicated requiring 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 matches. Should he target Adelaide, it will be over two months since he started training again.

This is acceptable: 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 board officials don’t appear to consider it necessary to provide any information about the captain’s fitness and availability or the changing nature of either.

If care is the priority with Cummins, the opposite applies 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 the match and from having any influence when he eventually batted. Even if his symptoms have subsided, the newness of the problem creates concern that they might recur in the pressure of Brisbane.

His inclusion logically means he is set to return to the top order, even though Travis Head made a record-setting century in his place. Khawaja wouldn’t be picked as a reserve or to play lower. Once more, there is no confirmation about this, just the selection.

This doesn’t mean that sides must reveal a full lineup when announcing selections, and plans can change. But some plans are firmer than others, and considering how Head’s whirlwind drew fan interest, it would do no harm to clarify where both batsmen are slotted to play. Some uncertainty in life is a positive, but creating it out of the broadly obvious is unnecessary. If you’re in the business of engaging fans, communication goes a long way.