Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins hinted on Thursday at a comeback for the second Ashes Test, a day after the side unveiled its squad ahead of this month`s opener.

The 32-year-old pace spearhead has not played since picking up a lower back injury against the West Indies more than three months ago.

"It`s all feeling really good. On track and yeah, probably better than I expected," Cummins told journalists.

"Each session is incremental. Once I get over to Perth, I should be pretty close to a full run-up and getting some overs in."

"It`s probably not until you get a bit closer that you can really know where you`re at," Cummins said.

"It`s trying to keep that second Test as a real live option," he said of the day-night contest in Brisbane on December 4.

Late last month, Cummins` tentative return was rumoured after he was spotted in a brief net session in Sydney captured by local television cameras, bowling off a five-step run-up.

Cummins will travel with the Australian side for the first Test against Ben Stokes` England in Perth from November 21.

Steve Smith will step up as Australian captain, with the ever-reliable Scott Boland to replace Cummins in the seam attack alongside quick bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

England drew 2-2 on home turf in the most recent Ashes series in 2023 but have not won in Australia since 2010-2011.