Pat Cummins bowling at full tilt in the nets; shows encouraging signs for Ashes return

Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has increased his bowling intensity during New South Wales training sessions, aiming to return for the second Test of the upcoming Ashes series. The fast bowler, who has been ruled out of the series opener in Perth beginning November 21, demonstrated his recovery progress by bowling at full pace in the nets at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.Cummins, who is recovering from back stress, has acknowledged that playing continuously from the second Test through the end of the series may not be feasible. His potential return to the series could pose concerns for England, particularly given their perceived advantage over Scott Boland following his performances in the 2023 Ashes.The Australian bowling lineup for the first Test will feature Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, with all three scheduled to participate in Sheffield Shield matches before heading to Perth.The announcement of Australia's 15-player squad drew attention from English media, who noted that

Cameron Green

is the only player under 30 years of age.Josh Hazlewood addressed the age-related observations, emphasising the team's experience as an advantage. "We bounce off each other out there and know each other's game so well and help each other out there. There'll come a time no doubt (when the team is too old), but I don't think it's yet.

We've been together a long time, taken a heap of wickets, but the times off the field as well have been so great. We know each other so well, so we can pull each other up from time to time when the rhythm's not quite there.

"Hazlewood approaches the Ashes series with 295 Test wickets, standing on the brink of joining teammates Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and

Nathan Lyon

in the 300-wicket club. Despite the proximity to this milestone, Hazlewood maintains his focus remains elsewhere.The fast bowler's recent form has been notable, claiming 16 wickets in his four Test appearances this year, while also maintaining strong performances in limited-overs cricket.Reflecting on his current condition and career trajectory, Hazlewood stated: "I feel in the best shape I've been in a long time. Over the last four of five years, I've had a lot of confidence. My numbers suggest that. Just staying on the park, probably since COVID (pandemic), has been hard."