Australian quick Pat Cummins has not played a first-class match for two years but is confident his body will hold up to the rigors of test cricket should he get the call during the Ashes series against England.
The 22-year-old right-armer was called into the Australia squad on Saturday when Ryan Harris announced his retirement after scans ruled him out of the series, which starts in Cardiff on Wednesday.
Cummins, who had been in Queensland since the World Cup preparing for an Australia 'A' tour to India, said he felt fighting fit even if he was aware his chances of getting a game were slim.
"Really fortunate to get the call now. Not the nicest circumstances with 'Ryno' going down but just a wonderful opportunity for myself," he told reporters in Brisbane before his departure for England.
"I'm certainly hopeful but I know I haven't played a first-class game for a year or two so the jump up for a test series was always going to be a big call.
"My body feels really strong and the jump up shouldn't be too much. There's a tour match after the second test so I'd love to get an opportunity in that and get used to bowling hopefully two or three days in a row."
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