Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc offered a light-hearted update on captain Pat Cummins’ fitness ahead of the first Ashes Test starting November 21 in Perth. Cummins has already been ruled out of the opener due to a lumbar bone stress injury, though he is expected to return for the second Test at the Gabba from December 4–8. When asked about Cummins’ availability, Starc joked that getting the captain back “this week” would be ideal. Mitchell Starc gives positive update as Pat Cummins eyes return for second Test “Can we get him in this week? Yeah, I think so. Probably understand why he doesn't train much, because when he does he makes us all look silly. No, he was really sharp the other day and sounds like he's pulling up pretty well, so very positive signs,” Starc said during a media interaction. Cummins recently completed a high-intensity nets session and bowled to Marnus Labuschagne, looking in rhythm just days before the opener. Despite admitting he was “less likely than likely” to play in Perth, his recovery has progressed well and raised optimism of an early return. In his absence, Brendan Doggett is set to make his debut, becoming the first Australian fast bowler to do so since Scott Boland in 2021 and only the third Indigenous man to represent Australia in Tests after Boland and Jason Gillespie. However, Australia face another major blow with Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to a hamstring strain. He pulled out of New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match after discomfort, and scans confirmed the injury. With both Cummins and Hazlewood missing, England head into the opener with a significant advantage as they aim to break their 14-year winless streak in Australia.