Overview

• Durham coach Ryan Campbell confirmed Ben Stokes has resumed training and started batting in the nets following his July shoulder injury.
• Campbell said Stokes’ bowling comeback will take longer and described his management as steady, noting uncertainty over whether he can play all five Ashes Tests.
• Mark Wood, out since February after knee surgery, is described as “extremely close” to playing and could feature for Durham next week.
• Australia captain Pat Cummins revealed scans showing lumbar bone stress and said he wants to be bowling at least a month before the November 21 Perth opener, even if that means skipping Shield cricket.
• Cummins expressed confidence in Australia’s pace depth despite injuries to several back-up quicks, including Lance Morris being ruled out for the summer.