Australia’s captain Pat Cummins says he is prepared to take a "few risks" with his recovery from a back injury in a bid to be ready for the opening Ashes Test against England in November.

The fast bowler has been ruled out of Australia’s limited-overs matches against New Zealand and India after scans revealed a stress issue in his lower back.

Cummins' career has been disrupted by back problems before, leading to long absences between 2012 and 2016, and another recurrence in 2018.

The 32-year-old was instrumental in the 2023 Ashes series in England, taking 18 wickets as Australia retained the urn in a 2-2 draw.

Across his career, he has taken 91 wickets against England in 19 Tests at an average of 24.10.

Coming up soon: A quick trip across the Tasman for our Australian men's team.

A 14-man squad has been named to face the @BLACKCAPS in three T20Is pic.twitter.com/Kyl994OnG8

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) September 2, 2025

He stressed that while he would not take to the field in a Test unless confident of getting through the match, his perspective on rehabilitation has shifted with experience.

"When you're 18 or 19, you're like, 'let's make sure this is the perfect rehab, whether it takes an extra six months'. Whereas, I'm happy to be a bit like, 'well, it's an Ashes series, whatever it takes to play it'," Cummins said. 

"You're willing to take a few risks and be a little bit aggressive to try and play as many Tests as you can.

"Now, with an Ashes series on the line, I’m ready to push harder to be there—even if it means rest will have to come later.

"I'm still doing a bit of gym work, but no real running, no bowling. Get that right and then we'll build up to the [Australian] summer.

"We’ve got around 12 weeks before the first Test, so I’m confident I can build up in time."

The first Test starts in Perth on November 21, with the series running through until January 8.