Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has taken a significant step in his recovery from a lower-back injury by resuming bowling practice. Cummins, who was sidelined for the opening Ashes Test in Perth starting November 21, is now eyeing a return for the second Test in Brisbane two weeks later. The 32-year-old fast bowler bowled off a short run-up during a net session at Cricket New South Wales’ training base on Tuesday, under the watchful eyes of coaching staff. Head coach Andrew McDonald indicated that Cummins would require at least four weeks of rehabilitation, effectively ruling him out of any warmup matches before the Gabba Test. In Cummins’s absence, Steve Smith will lead the Australian team in Perth, with Victoria fast bowler Scott Boland likely to fill the void. Australia currently holds the Ashes urn, having retained it after a 2-2 series draw in England in 2023.