Australia captain Pat Cummins says his recovery from a back injury is ahead of schedule, with his sights set on returning for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
Cummins bowled eight overs off a three-quarter run-up this week and reported no pain, saying he hopes to be bowling at full pace by the start of the first Test. “We’re keeping that second Test as a live option. The body’s feeling great,” he said.
However, the fast bowler admitted playing all remaining Tests could be “a bridge too far,” with tight turnarounds between matches likely requiring rest.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will spearhead the attack in Cummins’ absence, while Scott Boland retains his place after a hat-trick against the West Indies. Cummins will travel with the team to Perth next week, observing from the coach’s box to prepare for his anticipated Gabba comeback.
