Good news for Australia as Pat Cummins plays down fitness concerns, returns to high-intensity bowling in Perth

Australia captain Pat Cummins has provided the team with a major boost leading up to the Ashes opener that is set to take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 21.  He participated in a high-intensity practice session and was seen bowling fiercely, putting concerns regarding his fitness to rest. The all-rounder has been out of action since the three-match Test series against West Indies that concluded in July. 

Smith set for a return to captaincy

Following the series, Cummins had sustained a lumbar stress fracture, ruling him out from some major assignments including the first match of The Ashes. In his absence, Steve Smith will be the one to captain the team. The latter does have quite a bit of experience as the skipper and has led the Baggy Greens previously in the longest format.

Meanwhile, Cummins was seen bowling to Marnus Labuschagne during the intense practice session. Looking at his rhythm, the 32-year-old can very well feature in games as The Ashes progresses. His return to the playing XI would be a major boost for the Aussies and their bowling attack will massively strengthen in particular.

On the other hand, Brendan Doggett will be making his Test debut as Cummins' absence and will be leading Australia's bowling line alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Notably, he is the first pacer to debut for the team since Boland in 2021 and will be hoping to make a positive impression on his first-ever Test match for the Baggy Greens.

Australia to also miss Hazlewood

Additionally, Australia will also be without Josh Hazlewood for the first Ashes Test as he had recently sustained a hamstring strain during a Sheffield Shield match. Michael Neser, who has played two Tests so far for the team, has been added to the squad in his place. It remains to be seen as to which bowling combination will the hosts go for in Perth.

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