\n<\/p>\n
Batter Steve Smith, who was stripped of the captaincy in 2018 following a ball-tampering scandal, will replace Cummins as skipper for the first Test of five against an England side who have not won a series down under since 2010-2011.<\/p>\n
Cummins took 18 wickets when his side drew 2-2 in England to retain the Ashes in 2023 and, overall, he has taken 91 wickets against England in 19 Tests at an average of 24.10.<\/p>\n
Mitchell Starc, 35, Josh Hazlewood, 34, and Scott Boland, 36, are expected to form Australia’s pace attack in Perth.<\/p>\n
“It’s probably not until you get a bit closer that you can really know where you’re at,” said Cummins on his recovery. “The good thing is that I’m pulling up well and the body is great.<\/p>\n
“We’re trying to keep that second Test as a live option. I’ll have a really good bowl in Perth, and by then I’ll know where I’m at.”<\/p>\n
Cummins was guarded on how much he might play in the Ashes following a possible return in the second Test, as he said it depended on his workload. <\/p>\n
“I don’t really want to commit to anything this far out,” he added. “I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can.<\/p>\n
“But realistically, if we have a big game and bowl 40 or 50 overs and then there’s a game that starts a few days later, it might be a bridge too far.<\/p>\n
“I’m trying to get right, and if I get right then hopefully I’ll try to play as much of it as I can.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n