Pakistan, Oct. 19 -- MELBOURNE - Australia are hopeful that captain Pat Cummins will feature in the upcoming Ashes series, despite lingering fitness concerns over his recovery from a back stress injury, chief selector George Bailey said on Saturday.

Cummins, 32, has not yet resumed bowling, making him a doubt for the first Test in Perth starting November 21. The fast bowler admitted earlier this week that he was unlikely to play the opener and remained uncertain for the second Test in Brisbane. Australia coach Andrew McDonald had earlier stated that Cummins needed to begin bowling at least four weeks before the first Test to avoid aggravating his injury.

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Bailey, howev...