Australia's injured captain Pat Cummins is optimistic about his participation in the second Ashes Test against England at Gabba, Brisbane.

Cummins, sidelined for four months due to a back injury, has been bowling in the nets and feels he has a "half a chance" for the fixture, slated to begin on December 4.

His potential return would be a significant boost for the Aussie side, which defeated England by eight wickets in the Ashes opener at Perth under the leadership of Steve Smith.

"It's feeling good. I had a couple of good sessions in Perth this week, so having a big day where I'd bowl around 10 overs then a couple of quieter days and then going again," Cummins said while commentating for Fox Sports.

"It's on track and pulling up pretty well. Half a chance for the next game. I'll have a couple more bowls and then there could be about two weeks before the next one the way this one is going. I'm pretty hopeful and it's probably better than it was a few weeks ago," he added.

Cummins' return would bolster the Australian bowling attack, especially with fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood also injured and reportedly not likely to be fit in time for the second Test.

If Cummins is cleared to feature in the day-night Test in Brisbane, Perth debutant Brendan Doggett would likely make way.