Australia’s Pat Cummins signals possible return for second Ashes Test

SYDNEY:
Australian skipper Pat Cummins has hinted that he could make his comeback in the second Ashes Test, just a day after the squad for the series opener was announced.
The 32-year-old fast bowler has been out of action for over three months following a lower back injury sustained during the series against the West Indies.
“It’s all feeling really good — I’m progressing well and probably ahead of schedule,” Cummins told reporters.
“Each training session has been a step forward. Once I get to Perth, I should be close to my full run-up and ready to bowl longer spells,” he added.
Cummins noted that the real test would come once he resumed bowling at full intensity:
“You never truly know until you’re right in the middle of it, but the second Test in Brisbane remains a realistic target.”
Late last month, speculation about his return began when local TV cameras captured Cummins bowling off a shortened run-up during a practice session in Sydney.
Cummins will travel with the squad for the first Test against Ben Stokes-led England in Perth, starting November 21.
In his absence, Steve Smith will lead the team, while Scott Boland has been drafted into the pace attack to join Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
The most recent Ashes series in 2023 ended in a 2-2 draw in England, but the visitors haven’t won an Ashes series on Australian soil since 2010–2011.