Australia captain Cummins could return for the second Ashes Test

Australia captain Pat Cummins says he could be fit to return for the second Ashes Test next month.

The 32-year-old missed the first Test in Perth with a back injury but Australia still beat England for just 172 and 164 in the two innings.

Mitchell Starc took 10 wickets as Australia wrapped up a crushing eight-wicket win inside two days.

Cummins, who was replaced as captain by Steve Smith and as fast bowler by Scott Boland in the Perth Test, has suggested he may be ready to reclaim both roles for the day-night Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, which begins on December 4.

“It feels good,” Cummins told Fox Sports.

“I’ve had a couple of good sessions in Perth this week, so I had a big day where I was playing about 10 times and then a few quieter days and then I’m off again.

“She is on the right track and progressing well. [I’m] Half a chance for the next match.

“I’ll have a couple more pots, and then it might be about two weeks before the next thing is the way this is going.

“I’m very optimistic and it will probably be better than it was a few weeks ago.”

While Cummins may return to Brisbane, top-order batsman Usman Khawaja should be a doubt for the second Test after injuring his back and failing to take his opening spot for either tour in Perth.

“Unfortunately, Ozzie doesn’t move very well. His back flared up again while jumping over his head, so he couldn’t get it open,” Cummins added.