If you wanted proof injured Australia captain Pat Cummins is on track for a return for the second Ashes Test at The Gabba, you only had to witness the scenes at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday morning.

Cummins, who will miss the opening Test in Perth from November 21, was showing no signs of discomfort in his back as he steamed in and bowled a decent spell at NSW training.

Stand-in Australian skipper Steve Smith at one stage walked over, tossed Cummins a pink ball – the colour of choice for the day-night Test that will be played in Brisbane – before he broke into laughter.

England can only hope they win the first match before returning to the east coast, knowing what awaits them.

As Cummins looked the goods, his fellow members of Australia’s ‘Dad’s Army’ bowling attack, Josh Hazl

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