Overview

• Head coach Andrew McDonald said Pat Cummins is running out of time for Perth and likely needs at least a four‑week bowling block before the November 21 opener.
• Cummins has been out since July with a back issue and only recently returned to running, with the staff targeting a roughly 10‑day window to judge his readiness.
• McDonald reported “positive signs” and has not ruled Cummins out, but warned of soft‑tissue and skill‑readiness risks if the return is rushed.
• If Cummins misses the opener, reporting points to Scott Boland as the probable bowling replacement and Steve Smith as a potential stand‑in captain.
• England vice‑captain Harry Brook said a Cummins absence could help England but cautioned against underestimating Australia, as pundits suggested the doubt improves England’s chances; Mitchell Starc said Cummins remains upbeat.