Overview

• Andrew McDonald offered a guardedly positive update, saying Cummins is "on track" after resuming running but has not been cleared to bowl.
• Multiple outlets report Cummins is expected to miss the first Test in Perth on November 21, with some suggesting his return could slip to later in the series.
• Recent scans showed improvement in a lumbar bone-stress issue but not enough to restart bowling, and Cricket Australia has declined to confirm his availability.
• If he is out, Steve Smith is widely tipped to captain, with Scott Boland likely to join Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the pace attack.
• Selectors face workload and timing pressures across the five Tests, with any decision on Cummins subject to further medical assessment in the coming days.