Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins is still set to return for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, although he concedes playing the remainder of the series without a break would be difficult.

The 32-year-old fast bowler and captain has been injured from playing cricket since July with his lower back, but he has now commenced bowling, off a three-quarter run-up, as part of his phased return to bowling. Cummins bowled almost eight overs in the nets on Wednesday and is expected to be bowling at full pace by the start of the first Test. Importantly, he has no pain and no hint of a recurrence of the young man’s stress injury to his lower back.

Pat Cummins eyes Brisbane comeback, but rotation likely later in series

Team officials remain cautious about confirming his availability for the Brisbane Test, set to begin in four weeks, but Cummins has his sights firmly set on returning then.

“That’s the aim and we’re building our plan to the second Test,” Cummins said at the Seven Network’s cricket launch on Thursday. “The good thing is that I’m pulling up well and the body feels great. We’re trying to keep that second Test as a live option.”

While the skipper is confident of being fit, he concedes that maintaining peak condition across the entire summer may be difficult. Australia’s schedule includes only short four-day turnarounds between the third, fourth, and fifth Tests, placing extra strain on fast bowlers.

“I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can,” Cummins admitted. “But realistically, if we have a big game and I bowl 40 or 50 overs, then play again a few days later, it might be a bridge too far.”

Cummins also confirmed he won’t seek match practice through Sheffield Shield or tour games, instead opting to join the Test squad in Perth to work closely with the coaching staff. He plans to use the time to observe and strategize from the coach’s box — a perspective he found valuable before the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“It’s a different view from up there,” he said. “Hopefully, I can gather some insights that might help later in the series or assist Steve Smith if he needs something.”

In Cummins’ absence, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will spearhead the attack, with Scott Boland retaining his place after his hat-trick against the West Indies. All-rounder Cameron Green is expected to increase his bowling workload in the Sheffield Shield, while Beau Webster could remain in contention as a second all-rounder.