Ashes 2015: ‘I’m ready for the leap,’ says Pat Cummins

Brisbane: Fast bowler Pat Cummins said Monday he's ready for the demands of Australia's upcoming Ashes cricket test series in England, even though he hasn't played a first-class match in two years or a test since his debut four years ago.

The 22-year-old Cummins has been called up to the Australia squad as a replacement for Ryan Harris, who was forced into retirement by injury.

Cummins will join the Australia team in Cardiff prior to the first test against England starting Wednesday.

Cummins hasn't played a test since 2011 when he became Australia's youngest test player in more than 50 years against South Africa. He later suffered a stress fracture in his back and has since only been able to play limited-over cricket.

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Cummins told reporters before his departure from Brisbane on Monday that he is confident he's ready to return to test play, if needed.

"It is a fair leap but I have played quite a few (limited-over) games, so I do feel like the step-up isn't as big as it might've been a year or so ago," he said. "I certainly feel ready for that step."

Cummins may have to take a place behind Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc in the Australian pecking order, but he was hopeful of playing at some stage during the series.

"My body feels really strong," he said. "I've been pretty lucky, I haven't had to think about any niggles or anything for probably the last two years.”