Overview

• Pat Cummins has been sidelined since July with a back injury and has only recently resumed running, with no bowling return yet confirmed.
• Coach Andrew McDonald says Cummins has not been ruled out but needs to be bowling at least four weeks before the Nov. 21 Perth Test to avoid setbacks.
• McDonald reports improved signs and growing optimism from Cummins yet frames his availability as a race against time.
• England vice-captain Harry Brook says missing Cummins in Perth would "play into our hands," while warning against underestimating Australia's attack.
• Australia are preparing contingencies, with Steve Smith a captaincy option and Scott Boland a likely pace replacement alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.