Overview

• Durham coach Ryan Campbell says Ben Stokes has resumed net batting with a cautious plan for his bowling, and Mark Wood is extremely close to a red-ball return for Durham next week.
• Pat Cummins confirms he is rehabbing lumbar bone stress with zero bowling for now and plans to resume at least a month, potentially six weeks, before the November 21 Perth opener while likely forgoing Shield matches.
• Australia’s depth took another hit with Aaron Hardie ruled out of the Australia A tour due to a shoulder injury, adding to absences for Lance Morris and Callum Vidler and fitness doubts over Mahli Beardman and Jhye Richardson.
• Cummins maintains confidence in cover options, highlighting Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott, with Scott Boland positioned to step in if required.
• Josh Hazlewood dismisses suggestions the veteran pace trio is nearing retirement, saying they still have more Tests left together.