Pat Cummins has revealed star quick Josh Hazlewood is “confident” of returning for the third Test in a major boost for Australia.

The 33-year-old was ruled out for the second game against India, beginning on Friday, due to a side strain suffered in the series opener in Perth.

Hazlewood has a history of similar issues and there was initial concern about whether he would be back this summer for the Aussies.

READ MORE: ‘Jaw dropped’: Star breaks silence on ‘shock’ Roosters exit

READ MORE: Aussies make Marsh decision ahead of ‘must-win’ clash

READ MORE: Daley’s candid admission after initial Origin ‘failure’

But in the most positive update so far, Cummins told reporters on Thursday afternoon that his fast-bowling comrade is gearing up to play at The Gabba after having his overs limited when he started to feel symptoms last week.

“Pretty confident for Brisbane,” the skipper said.

“He had a good bowl yesterday, only three quarters or maybe a bit more and went beautifully. I got wind of it probably day three towards the end there and he bowled once or twice more on it and then kind of thought that’s probably enough.

“It was probably the right call in hindsight and in previous years when he kept bowling and turned that one-week injury into a three, four or five-week.

“This year seems a little bit different and he’s really confident for The Gabba.” 

Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers at Optus Stadium and will be replaced by Scott Boland in what will be the cult hero’s first Test since last year’s Ashes series.

A lot of the weight will now fall on the captain’s shoulders as the spearhead of the attack and Cummins believes the added time off in between games will work wonders.

“Any break in between Test matches is welcome,” he said.

“It gives us a chance, even though we went home, to spend a few days in the gym and a few days recovery. It’s very rare after one Test match to get that break – it almost feels like you’re starting your second Test as though it’s the first.

“Obviously, missing Joshy is a shame for this one, but he’ll be right for the next one hopefully and for Starcy [Mitchell Starc], Nathan [Lyon] and I – we feel in great shape.”

The first ball in Adelaide is scheduled for 3pm AEDT on Friday afternoon.