Cummins back bowling as Ashes comeback gathers pace

It’s official: Pat Cummins is back bowling.

Australia’s Test captain rolled his arm over on Wednesday morning for the first time since the third Test against the West Indies in July.

Cummins has been managing a lower back stress injury and has been ruled out of the opening Ashes Test against England next month.

However, his bid to be fit for the second Test in Brisbane, from December 4 to 8, took a positive step after a light bowling session at Cricket NSW headquarters in Sydney.

The 31-year-old bowled off about five steps in the outdoor nets and, while his pace was down, the sight of him back at the bowling crease will not be lost on England.

Cummins was expected to bowl about 10am but completed the session earlier, away from cameras.

Fox Sports News captured footage of him in action on an overcast morning in Sydney.

Cummins did not speak to waiting media after his short session.

Loading

Australia’s skipper has said he needs four to six weeks of proper bowling to be ready for the demands of Test cricket. He will build up his bowling loads over the coming weeks but Cricket Australia won’t rush him back.

Earlier this week, coach Andrew McDonald said medical staff were “really optimistic and hopeful” Cummins could be fit for Brisbane.

“That’s a huge step,” McDonald said of Cummins’ return to light bowling. “We’re on the journey to that second Test match.”

Click here to read article