Pat Cummins has officially begun his road back to Test cricket, even though he will miss the opening match of the 2025-26 Ashes at Optus Stadium from November 21 to 25. The Australian skipper, ruled out of the Perth Test due to injury, was spotted bowling for the first time since July 2025, instantly lifting hopes of his return for the remainder of the series.

A video of Cummins bowling in New South Wales nets has gone viral, showing the 32-year-old pacer back at full tilt. According to a report from cricket.com.au, Cummins also put in an intense training session at the SCG, sending down deliveries at match-like pace. For Australian fans, it’s a reassuring sign as the Ashes heats up.

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With Cummins unavailable for the first Test, Steve Smith will lead Australia, while Scott Boland is expected to take the new ball alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. However, if Cummins clears his fitness test in time, he is likely to return for the second Test, a day-night encounter at The Gabba in December.

Great signs if you’re Australian. Pat Cummins working through his session at the SCG this morning. It’s been a solid block of bowling. pic.twitter.com/BO9pij1uFR

— Sam Djodan (@samdjodan) November 7, 2025

Cummins’ Ashes record speaks for itself. Since making his Test debut in 2011 against South Africa, he has played 19 Tests against England, bowled 693.3 overs and claimed 91 wickets. On home soil, he boasts 177 wickets in 38 Tests and famously guided Australia to the 2023 World Test Championship title.

Australia will hope their premier fast bowler returns quickly, as the Ashes rarely offers room for caution.

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Australia squad for 1st Ashes Test: 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