Pat Cummins remains on track to return for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, but the Australian skipper has all but ruled out playing back-to-back matches on short turnarounds across the five-match series.

That could impact the Boxing Day Test given the match at the MCG begins just five days after the third Test in Adelaide, with the Sydney Test starting the following week.

Cummins may not be available for both matches, which could decide the series.

The captain hasn’t played since Australia’s tour of the West Indies in July and won’t play the first Ashes Test in Perth due to a back injury .

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But he’s got his sights set on a return in Brisbane, with the world-class quick ticking off

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