Cummins Eyes Return for Second Ashes Test in Brisbane After Back Injury

Australia captain Pat Cummins has expressed optimism about his recovery from a lingering back injury and said he is targeting a return for the second Ashes Test against England in Brisbane next month. Cummins, who missed selection for the opening Test in Perth beginning November 21, confirmed he will travel with the squad to ramp up his training and assess his readiness to play the day-night Test at the Gabba from December 4. “It’s been really good. Yesterday was probably a three-quarter run-up for seven or eight overs, and it’s all feeling good so I’m on track,” Cummins told Channel 7. “Each session is a little bit more intense, and once I go over to Perth it should be pretty close to a full run-up.” The 32-year-old said his recovery was progressing better than expected but remained cautious about committing to back-to-back matches in the five-Test series. “I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can, but realistically, if we have a big game and I bowl 40 or 50 overs and there’s another game a few days later, it might be a bridge too far,” he said. With Cummins unavailable, vice-captain Steve Smith will lead Australia in the series opener. Fast bowlers Scott Boland, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been named as options to join Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and spinner Nathan Lyon in the first Test lineup. Boland is considered the frontrunner to fill the captain’s place, while all-rounder Cameron Green’s bowling fitness will be assessed closer to the match. Cummins, who played a pivotal role in Australia’s World Test Championship win earlier this year, said he felt confident about his long-term recovery. “It’s absolutely fine. There’s no stress so far. It doesn’t guarantee anything, but all the signs look pretty good. I’ve had the same injury before, so I know what to expect,” he said. The Ashes series will begin in Perth before moving to Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney through early January.