Ashes 2025-26: England's Harry Brook Warns Against Underestimating Australia

Harry Brook

England's Harry Brook cautions against underestimating Australia in the upcoming Ashes series despite Pat Cummins' injury concerns.

“He is an amazing bowler and has been for many years. He bowls at high pace with high skill...”

England batter Harry Brook is urging caution against underestimating Australia in the upcoming Ashes series, amid concerns over the fitness of Australian captain and fast bowler Pat Cummins. Cummins' availability for the opening Test in Perth is uncertain, with Australia coach Andrew McDonald revealing that the pacer is running out of time to recover.

Brook acknowledged Australia's formidable bowling attack, saying, “They have a lot of good, quick bowlers.” He emphasized that Cummins' absence would not necessarily weaken the Australian team, given their depth in fast bowlers. Brook's comments highlight the respect England has for Australia's cricketing prowess.

Australia's captain Pat Cummins' fitness is in question, and coach Andrew McDonald says he'll need at least four weeks of bowling before he's ready for the Ashes opener. Cummins hasn't been ruled out yet, but McDonald is cautious about rushing him back.

If Cummins misses the first Test, it would be a major blow to Australia's chances. Cummins has been a key player since his Ashes debut in 2017-18 and has played a crucial role in Australia's success. With Cummins at the helm, Australia has been unbeatable, retaining the Ashes urn since 2017.

“He is an amazing bowler and has been for many years. He bowls at high pace with high skill,” Brook told reporters at the Professional Cricketers' Association Awards.

“With him out of their side for the first game, from what we've seen, hopefully that plays into our hands.

“But they have a hell of a lot of good, quick bowlers out there. Guys who can come into the side, and when their tails are up, they can plough through teams. So, we can't take anybody lightly.”

England vice-captain Harry Brook expects skipper Ben Stokes to play all five Tests in the upcoming Ashes series despite Stokes' ongoing recovery from a shoulder injury. Brook, who was recently appointed vice-captain after Ollie Pope stepped down from the role, expressed his confidence in Stokes' ability to lead the team throughout the series.

Harry Brook knows Cummins' package of leadership, pace and skill is impossible to replicate 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/EAWPpuiXdt

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 11, 2025

“Everybody in the world knows what he's like - his character and the way that he just cracks on,” Brook said.

“That is the way the team is built now. Everybody keeps going.

“If you do have a little niggle, just power through - and that is what he does so well.”

The 2025-26 Ashes series kicks off on November 21 in Perth, followed by a day-night match at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 4-8. The series then moves to Adelaide Oval for the third Test from December 17-21, a Christmas Test, and continues with the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26-30. The final Test takes place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4-8, 2026.