Australia remain coy on when captain Pat Cummins will return from a back injury to play in the Ashes.

Already ruled out for at least the first Test in Perth, the star quick is starting to increase his bowling loads after only picking up a ball again last week.

There were initial fears Cummins' entire summer could be wiped out, but the 32-year-old is eyeing a return in the second or third Test.

Cummins was able to bowl on Wednesday, backing up a session he did on Tuesday.

He will join the squad in Perth to support the team and build up his fitness.

"The feedback is it's progressing positively," chairman of selectors George Bailey said after announcing the Ashes squad on Wednesday.

"Back-to-back sessions is a nice little step up and that'll just keep building.

"There hasn't been a set

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