Pat Cummins: Australia captain ‘on track’ for second Ashes Test return

Pater Steve Smith, who was stripped of the captaincy in 2018 following a ball-tampering scandal, will replace Cummins as captain in the first of five Tests against an England side that has not won a series under since 2010-11.

Cummins took 18 wickets as his side drew 2-2 in England to retain the Ashes in 2023, and overall, he took 91 wickets against England in 19 Tests at an average of 24.10.

Mitchell Starc (35 years old), Josh Hazlewood (34 years old) and Scott Bolland (36 years old) are expected to form Australia’s pace attack in Perth.

“You probably won’t really be able to tell where you are until you get a little closer,” Cummins said of his recovery. “The good thing is that I move well and the body is great.

“We’re trying to keep this second Test as a straightforward option. I’ll have a really good bowl in Perth, and by then I’ll know where I’m at.”

Cummins was cautious about how much he could play in the Ashes after a potential return in the second Test, saying it depended on his workload.

“I don’t really want to commit to anything to that extent,” he added. “I’m very keen to play as much as I can.

“But realistically, if we have a big game and we bowl 40 or 50 overs, and then a game starts a few days later, it could be too far.

“I’m trying to be OK, and if I do that, hopefully I’ll try to play as hard as I can.”