Pat Cummins remains on tack to return for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, but has conceded playing through the rest of the series unchanged could be difficult.

Cummins has progressed to bowling off a three-quarter run up as he plots a meticulous return from a back injury that has sidelined the Test captain since July.

The 32-year-old was able to get through close to eight overs in the nets on Wednesday, and expects to be bowling at full pace by the start of the first Test.

Cummins has not felt any significant pain since his managed return to bowling, with no signs of any recurrence of the stress injury in his lower back.

Officials have been coy on whether Cummins would return for the second Test in Brisbane starting four weeks from now, but the quick remains a genuine chance.

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