Pat Cummins has ramped up his bowling at NSW training as the Australia captain aims to be fit for the second Test of the Ashes. Already ruled out of the eagerly anticipated opener in Perth, starting on November 21, the star quick is shaping as a genuine chance to feature in the day-night Test at the Gabba.

This week Cummins conceded playing unchanged from the second Test until the end of the series was unlikely given he is recovering from stress in his back. But any appearance in the series is sure to worry England, who believe they have got the better of Scott Boland following his two underwhelming Tests during the 2023 Ashes.

According to the Cricket Austrilia, Cummins put in a solid session at the SCG on Saturday as NSW prepare to host Victoria in the Sheffield Shield, starting Monday. The 32-year-old was sending balls down at full pace in the nets in an encouraging sign.

Australia will go into the first Test with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Boland, with all three to play in the Shield before heading to Perth. When Australia’s squad was released this week, the English press predictably labelled it “Dad’s Army” given Cameron Green is the only one out of the 15 players aged under 30.

But Hazlewood was adamant Australia’s experience is a strength, not a weakness. “We bounce off each other out there and know each other’s game so well and help each other out there,” he told reporters in Sydney on Saturday. “There’ll come a time no doubt (when the team is too old), but I don’t think it yet.