Pat Cummins, who will miss the opening Test of Australia's 2025-26 Ashes series against England at Optus Stadium in Perth from November 21 to 25, has begun preparations for the remaining matches.

In Cummins' absence, Steve Smith will captain Australia in the series opener, with Scott Boland poised to replace him in the playing XI. However, if Cummins passes the fitness test, he might be called up for the second Test, which will be played day and night at The Gabba in December.

Cummins made his Test debut in 2011 and has played 19 Tests against England. In those 19 matches, he bowled 693.3 overs and took 91 wickets. The right-arm bowler, who guided Australia to the World Test Championship (WTC) title in 2023, has 177 wickets from 38 Test matches in Australia.

Meanwhile, a video has gone viral on social media, which shows Pat Cummins, who suffered a lower back injury after the West Indies series, can be seen bowling in nets. This was the first time since July 2025, Cummins had bowled a ball.

The clip of Cummins in New South Wales nets is going viral, and it has boosted hopes of his return for the Ashes series.

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According to a cricket.com.au report, Cummins put in a solid session at the SCG on Saturday. He was sending balls down at full pace in the nets.

Australia squad: (First Test only):

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster