Australia are mulling another change to their bowling attack for the third Ashes Test but Pat Cummins is set to back up as he continues to enhance his reputation as the most resilient member of the pace battery.
James Pattinson is expected to come into the XI for the match that starts in Leeds at 8pm AEST on Thursday, most likely for Peter Siddle.
Pattinson was rested from the drawn Test at Lord's, with management making it clear he could play the second or third Test but not both because of a tight turnaround.
The tourists are considering all options as they hunt a victory that will ensure the urn remains in Australia, with Tim Paine suggesting Mitchell Starc is also in the mix to play his first Test of the series.
It remains possible Australia will stick with an unchanged attack but selectors are expected to continue making changes throughout the taxing five-Test series.
Siddle is considered the most likely fast bowler to make way, having played the past two Tests, although the veteran could be a handful if conditions suit at Headingley.
"We're obviously looking at maybe a bowling change at this stage," captain Paine said in his pre-match press conference.
"We'll get through training today and make the best decision, (pick what) we think is the best combination to win this game."
Cummins struggled to shed the injury-prone tag during a horror stretch that followed his Test debut in 2011.
But the express paceman has hardly missed a beat since returning for a Test in India, two and a half years ago.
Justin Langer recently argued it may not be humanely possible for Cummins to play five Tests in the current series but the right-armer is desperate to prove his coach wrong.
"In the last 12-18 months his body has really matured and he can handle a really big workload," Paine said.
"Not only do you see a high level of skill from Pat all the time but he's highly competitive as well.
"He's a great weapon for us and someone we certainly need to look after.
"But at this stage he's handling the workload really well and he's super professional - the way he prepares himself, the way he looks after his body."
Australian Associated Press
