Cummins ready, but realistic about call-up

Pat Cummins is fit and firing with bat and ball, but the young gun feels it will be a bonus if he plays the fifth Ashes Test.

Recap & highlights: Lower order fights after collapse

Cummins was Australia's star performer in a tour match against Northamptonshire that failed to hit any great heights.

Cummins bowled well on Saturday, the 22-year-old's only reward coming in the final session when he snared three wickets to clean up the tail.

Allrounder Mitch Marsh took four wickets as he pushes for fifth Test selection while Nathan Lyon and fiery quick Pat Cummins also got among the wickets

He then struck an unbeaten 82 on Sunday after a woeful top-order collapse of 5-74.

As national selectors mull an XI for the clash at The Oval that starts on Thursday, Cummins is unsure whether he will be given a chance to shine.

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Northants' Ben Sanderson is hit on the helmet by Cummins // Getty Images

WATCH: Cummins's fiery first day spell

I haven't heard anything but from the last couple of weeks I've seen Peter Siddle bowl in the nets and he's bowled beautifully," Cummins said.

"So if they do go for a change I guess we're both ready.

"If a game comes along it will be a bonus and I'll be ready to go, but I didn't have any big expectations when I came over."

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Peter Sidlle watches on at Northampton // Getty Images

Cummins was called into the 17-man squad on the eve of the first Test when Ryan Harris retired due to injury.

The expectation was the tearaway would be nursed through the tour due to his history of foot and back injuries since making an incredible Test debut in 2011 at age 18.

It's proven true.

Cummins bowled 17 overs in Derby spread across two days then 20.4 overs in Northampton on Saturday.

They are the paceman's only first-class spells in two years, but he feels ready for the rigours of Test cricket.

"The body felt perfect. No niggle or anything, just general fast bowlers wear and tear," Cummins said.

"I was speaking to the physio today and we were trying to work it out ... I've been bowling for two years straight and I think I've missed one week out of the two years.

"And I've had no niggles or anything, so I can't be any more ready if I get the call up."

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Pat Cummins was making life tough for Northants batsmen // Getty Images

Cummins felt his bowling had also improved during the tour.

"It probably felt like the best I've bowled in a long time as well," he said.

"Just being able to ease into spells and get into the little nuances of first-class cricket and try and be really consistent with the areas.

"I love doing that and it felt pretty good out there over the last couple of days."

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Pat Cummins also top-scored for Australia with 82no // Getty Images

Siddle limped off the field on Saturday, but Cummins expected the Victorian would be available for the dead rubber.