Overview
- Pat Cummins said he feels pretty good and still targets playing all five Tests, though he called his availability a wait-and-see.
- Head coach Andrew McDonald remains confident Cummins will take a significant part in the Ashes but cautioned he may not play every match.
- Cummins is recovering from a lumbar bone stress issue found after the West Indies tour, and no firm return date has been set.
- Rotation of fast bowlers is planned, with cover options flagged including Scott Boland, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett.
- Steve Smith is the designated stand-in captain if required, and Cummins expects to resume bowling roughly four to six weeks before the November 21 Perth opener.