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One might speculate whether Cricket Australia deliberately prefers to be opaque about player availability or simply lacks effectiveness in communications, but yet again, the health status of athletes and the makeup of the XI must be deduced from the 14-player squad announcement for the Brisbane match.

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

The unexpected element is Cummins for his omission, with the team skipper and fast-bowling leader progressing in rehabilitation from initial symptoms of a back injury. The sole official statement was a brief mention with the squad release stating that “Pat Cummins will travel to Brisbane to further his training.”

Insider reports indicate that this is all situation normal and his healing is proceeding well, with a probable return to the side soon. Theoretically, Cummins could even join the Brisbane squad in coming days if deemed fit by staff. However, something the claims doesn’t add up.

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 board schedules indicated he would just be unavailable for the initial match and was set to practice at close to full intensity with the squad in Perth. Coach Andrew McDonald said, “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 seen bowling in the state facilities without any visible restrictions and, most notably, was training with a pink ball, presumably as preparation for the day-night Test.

So, why the change of plans, more than four weeks since he indicated requiring a month to prepare his workload, and with less than a week to go in the Gabba? Not to mention, there are over a week’s break between Brisbane and the third Test. If the latter is Cummins’ destination, it will be more than seven weeks since he resumed bowling.

That in itself is fine: medical opinions evolve, medical staff can be conservative, athletes might take care. It’s just peculiar is that during the high-profile Test series in Australia’s calendar, the board officials seem not to think it reasonable to share any information about the captain’s fitness and availability or the evolving status of either.

And if caution is the watchword with Cummins, the opposite applies with Khawaja’s back injury. He had muscle spasms in the first Test during two paltry fielding innings, keeping Australia’s usual opener from playing his role 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 surely leaves some risk that they could return in the pressure of Brisbane.

His inclusion logically means he is due to resume opening the batting, even though Travis Head made a record-setting century in Perth. Khawaja wouldn’t be picked as a reserve or to bat down the order. Once more, there is no confirmation about this, only the squad listing.

This doesn’t mean that teams should have to give a whole XI when picking their squad, and strategies may shift. But some plans are firmer than others, and considering how Travis Head’s explosive performance drew fan interest, it would do no harm to confirm where those two players are slotted to play. Some uncertainty in sports is a positive, but manufacturing it out of the broadly obvious is needless. If you’re in the business of engaging fans, communication goes a long way.