'Had the same injury a few times...': Great news for Australia as Pat Cummins gears up for Ashes comeback

Australia captain Pat Cummins has started bowling at full pace during NSW nets in preparation for the second Ashes Test. The 2023 World Test Championship-winning captain has increased his bowling efforts during NSW training as he prepares to be fit for the second Test of the Ashes, which is scheduled to start from December 4 at iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane.

Cummins was earlier ruled out of the highly anticipated Ashes opener in Perth starting on November 21. However, the fast-bowling ace is now eyeing to play in the second Test at the Gabba. Cummins is currently practising at the SCG as NSW gets ready to face Victoria in the Sheffield Shield, which will start from 10 November. Cricket Australia reported that Cummins had bowled at full speed during net sessions.

Australia will begin the first Test with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, all of whom will get some match practice in the Shield before heading to Perth.

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Pat Cummins admitted this week that playing continuously from the second Test to the end of the series is unlikely, as he is still recovering from back stress. Still, his involvement in the series is sure to worry England, who believe they have an advantage over Boland after his two disappointing Tests during the 2023 Ashes.

“(I’m bowling) at about 115 or 120 (km/h). I’ll have a bit of a bowl later in the week. Each session is incremental, so it’ll be a little bit more intense, and once I go over to Perth it should be pretty close to a full run-up, and I’ll get some overs in.

“It’s absolutely fine. There’s no stress so far. It doesn’t guarantee anything, but all the signs look pretty good so far. I’ve had the same injury a few times – albeit quite a while ago – so I know what to expect. With any break from bowling, you’re going to feel a few aches and creaks. I felt that but I know it’s all normal.

“I feel really good and feel like we’ve got a really good plan, so hopefully I’ll take part in a fair bit of the summer,” the pacer had told Channel 7 earlier this week.

The five-Test match series between Australia and England will start from November 25, and Steve Smith will lead Australia in Cummins' absence.