MELBOURNE, 6 November (H.S.): Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has indicated he is on track to return for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane but admitted that playing every match in the tightly scheduled series could prove challenging.Cummins, who has been sidelined with a back injury since July, is progressively increasing his workload. He is now bowling off a three-quarter run-up and bowled approximately eight overs in the nets on Wednesday.

The captain is optimistic he will be back to full pace by the start of the first Test [web_results: 1].The 32-year-old pacer reported that his rehabilitation has been smooth, with no pain or recurrence of old injury symptoms. While Cricket Australia officials have not yet confirmed his definite participation in the second Test, Cummins himself has stated it is his primary goal.

The whole plan is focused on the second Test, Cummins said, according to Cricket Australia. The body is feeling really good at the moment. I'll have a strong bowling session in Perth, and that will give a clear idea of where I stand.

However, Cummins acknowledged the demanding nature of the series schedule, particularly the short four-day turnarounds between the third, fourth, and fifth Tests, which could make playing every match difficult.

I want to play as much as I can, he stated. But if I have to bowl 40-50 overs in a match and the next one starts just a few days later, that might be a bit tough.

Cummins does not believe he needs a practice match before returning to Test cricket. He plans to travel with the team to Perth next week and will be with the coaching staff during the first Test.

Before the 2023 World Cup, I went to South Africa and got the experience of watching the matches from the coaching box. I will have a similar experience during the Perth Test this time, which will help in the upcoming matches, he explained.

In Cummins' absence for the first Test, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will lead the pace attack, with Scott Boland expected to retain his place in the squad.

All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster will provide balance to the team.

2025-26 Ashes Series Schedule

First Test: November 21–25 – Perth StadiumSecond Test: December 4–8 – The Gabba, Brisbane (Day-Night)Third Test: December 17–21 – Adelaide OvalFourth Test: December 26–30 – Melbourne Cricket GroundFifth Test: January 4–8 – Sydney Cricket Ground

Team SquadsAustralia (for first Test):

Steve Smith (Captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

England:

Ben Stokes (Captain), Harry Brook (Vice-Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar