Pat Cummins’ back injury has thrown open the prospect of Australia turning to either a new or inexperienced fast bowler this summer.

Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland remain world-class operators who, fitness permitting, will spearhead Australia’s attack in the opening Ashes Test on November 21 in Perth.

The big three: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.Credit: Getty Images

But that trio – along with Cummins, should he return during the series – might not be able to get through all five matches. That turns attention to those waiting on a pecking order that’s been long debated but rarely relevant.

Australia’s bowling depth has long been a point of pride. The next few months are likely to put that notion to the test.

There is a crop of pacemen now jostling to be next in line should injury or the need for squad rotation strike.

A handful of younger quicks and early-season standouts in the Sheffield Shield are also pushing their cases. For the first time in years, one of Australia’s greatest fast-bowling eras may require fresh blood.

Abbott is older than Cummins but younger than Hazlewood and Starc. The 33-year-old has served a long red-ball apprenticeship, playing 88 first-class matches for 267 wickets at an average of 30.29. A wholehearted fast bowler who hits the deck hard, Abbott received a NSW debut before Mitchell Starc was handed a baggy green. That’s a reminder of how long the Parramatta junior has been around.

Sean Abbott is yet to make his Test debut.........

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