Cummins has not played since picking up a lower back injury against the West Indies four months ago.

Australia's Ashes match-winner Travis Head said he was wary of inciting England's fast bowlers as he slogged his way to a stunning century in the first Test in Perth.

Travis Head may have batted himself into a permanent role as Australian opener after his swashbuckling 123 against England, casting doubt on the future of an ageing Usman Khawaja.

England dismissed Australia for 132 in their first innings on Saturday to take charge of the first Ashes Test in Perth, with the hosts trailing by 40 runs on an overcast day two.

Paceman Josh Hazlewood has brushed off worries about Australia's ageing attack for the Ashes, saying he personally feels as good as he has in a long time and that the unit's experience of bowling together is a major advantage for the team.

Australia captain Pat Cummins is back bowling multiple overs on a reduced run-up and has targeted returning to the team for the second Ashes Test against England, a day-nighter in Brisbane starting on December 4.

Australia batter Travis Head has been released from the T20I squad against India to get some red-ball practice in the Sheffield Shield before the Ashes.

Coach Brendon McCullum believes England's batting struggles in the 3-0 one-day international series loss to New Zealand were format-specific and will have little bearing on the Ashes.

Coach Andrew McDonald said Cummins had now resumed running and would be back bowling this week, offering hope the 32-year-old might be fit to take part in the day-night second Test in Brisbane from December 4.

England cricket supremo Rob Key says captain Ben Stokes will be ready for the heat of the Ashes battle in Australia despite a lack of action following a shoulder injury.

England captain Ben Stokes is "on track" for the Ashes despite a recent shoulder injury, selectors said Tuesday as they handed part-time spinner Will Jacks a surprise place in the squad for the Test series in Australia.

England coach Brendon McCullum has left open the possibility of Harry Brook replacing Ollie Pope as vice-captain during the upcoming Ashes tour of Australia.

England batter Jacob Bethell is unsure if his first hundred in international cricket in Sunday's one-dayer against South Africa has opened the door to the Ashes squad but the 21-year-old is confident he would not let anyone down if given the opportunity.

Pat Cummins says he will do whatever it takes to play the Ashes against England starting in November, with the Australian skipper prepared to "take a few risks" with a back injury that has sidelined him.

England have won just one Ashes series in Australia since 1987 and have failed to taste success in a single Test match in their three most recent trips Down Under.

After being named in the 14-member Australia 'A' squad to play a pair of four-day games against India 'A', Australia opener Sam Konstas is looking forward to the Sheffield Shield matches in October to make a case for his selection in The Ashes squad.

England batter Joe Root said his experience of 158 Tests makes him better equipped than ever to end a victory drought in Australia, as he ramps up preparations for the upcoming Ashes series.

Joe Root has brushed aside David Warner's jibe that he will need to "take the surfboard off his front leg" if England are to triumph in Australia in the upcoming Ashes series.

Australia fast bowler Scott Boland said on Wednesday that the hosts will be unfazed by any England aggression when the Ashes rivals clash later this year.

Dropped Australian Test star Marnus Labuschagne says he is determined to bounce back and prove the doubters wrong, putting his hand up to open in the Ashes series against England.