Sydney: Australia captain Pat Cummins has been bowling at full pace in New South Wales (NSW) nets as he targets a return for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba starting December 4.
The fast bowler, who was earlier ruled out of the Ashes opener in Perth beginning November 21, has stepped up his training workload with NSW to regain full fitness in time for Brisbane’s day-night Test.
Cummins looked sharp during a practice session at the SCG on Saturday, as NSW prepared to face Victoria in the Sheffield Shield from Monday. According to Cricket Australia, the 32-year-old bowled at full intensity, showing encouraging signs of progress.
Australia will go into the first Test with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, all of whom are featuring in Shield matches before the Perth game.
Cummins admitted this week that it would be challenging to play every Test in the series as he manages his recovery from a back stress injury, but his potential return still poses a major threat for England, who have struggled against him in past Ashes contests.
“I’m bowling at about 115 or 120 km/h. Each session is incremental, getting more intense. Once I head to Perth, I should be close to a full run-up and get some overs in,” Cummins told Channel 7 earlier this week.
“It’s absolutely fine — no stress so far. I’ve had this injury before, so I know what to expect. There are a few aches after a break, but that’s normal. I feel really good, and we’ve got a solid plan in place. Hopefully, I’ll play a big part in the summer.”
