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Pat Cummins' Ashes Participation in Doubt

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Pat Cummins faces fitness uncertainty for Ashes



Pat Cummins, Australia's captain, is likely to miss the first Ashes Test in Perth and may also be doubtful for the second Test in Brisbane due to a back stress injury.


“I wouldn't put percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely, but I've still got a bit of time...”


Australia captain Pat Cummins is facing a tough timeline to recover from a back stress injury and is more likely than not to miss the first Ashes Test in Perth. Cummins hasn't resumed bowling yet and is uncertain about his fitness for the second Test in Brisbane.


Cummins has been dealing with a lumbar bone stress issue since early September and hasn't bowled since the West Indies series in July. He expects to start bowling prep soon but won't be ready for the first Test on November 21.


Cummins believes he'll need at least a month in the nets to prepare for a Test match, which is a tight timeline given the Ashes schedule. He'll likely be out for several weeks, making his participation in the first Test less likely.


If Cummins misses the first Test, Scott Boland is likely to take his place in the team, while Steve Smith might captain the side. Cummins plans to travel with the team and stay involved in preparations, even if he can't play.


“I wouldn't put percentage on it, but I'd say probably less likely than likely, but I've still got a bit of time,” the 32-year-old told reporters in Sydney.


“We get into bowling preparation I think next week, so probably a couple of weeks away before actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf. But it's been a good couple of weeks, each session feels better and better.”




Andrew McDonald, Australia's coach, emphasized that Pat Cummins needs to resume bowling at least four weeks before the Ashes opener in Perth to avoid further injury risk. Cummins has been sidelined since July with a back stress injury and is currently in the rehabilitation phase, having recently resumed running.


If Cummins misses the first Test, Steve Smith is likely to take over as captain, with Scott Boland potentially joining the playing XI alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. McDonald mentioned that the team will have a clearer picture of Cummins' fitness by next week.


The Ashes series is scheduled to start on November 21 at Perth Stadium, and Cummins' participation is crucial for Australia's chances of retaining the Ashes. Despite the uncertainty, McDonald remains hopeful about Cummins' recovery, citing his ability to prepare for Test matches with shortened lead-ups.


“You'd want at least, probably a month in the nets,” Cummins said.


“If you play a test match, you want to make sure you're right to bowl 20 overs in a day and you don't have to really think about it.


“So four weeks is pretty tight. But I think somewhere around that mark.”




Pat Cummins has ruled himself out of contention for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, starting December 4, due to his ongoing recovery from a back stress injury. The Australian captain hasn't started bowling yet and is still in the rehabilitation phase, making it uncertain whether he'll be fit enough for the match.


“Given that I haven't started bowling yet, I think it's a bit early to know with these things,” Cummins said, expressing caution about his fitness timeline.


Cummins is focusing on his rehabilitation, with Australia coach Andrew McDonald suggesting he'd need at least four weeks of bowling preparation to be fit for the Ashes. With the first Test scheduled for November 21, Cummins' participation is already in doubt.


If Cummins misses the first Test, Steve Smith is likely to take over as captain, with Scott Boland potentially joining the pace attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.


“I think it's a bit early to know with these things,” Cummins added.


“It's pretty hard to go from not bowling or anything at all to suddenly playing five tests.


“So, first step is trying to kind of give us a shot at being right, and then work it out closer.”


Pat Cummins has been a stalwart in Ashes clashes, playing a crucial role in Australia's success against England since his first Test against the Three Lions in the 2017-18 series. He was part of the team that won back the urn and then retained it, showcasing his consistency and skill in the competition.


“Some days I'm kind of annoyed because of the Ashes and it's a big summer and then other days I'm realistic,” he said.


“I've had the last seven or eight years almost uninterrupted home summers, so I feel like that's a really good run as a fast bowler.


“Maybe it's my turn.”


If Pat Cummins misses the first Ashes Test in Perth due to his ongoing back stress injury, Steve Smith will likely take over as captain, while Scott Boland is tipped to replace Cummins in the playing XI. Mitchell Starc has already backed Smith as the ideal replacement, praising his experience and leadership skills. Smith has a strong track record as captain, leading Australia in 40 Tests with 23 wins.


“I think in the last few years, one of the things we've done really well is when someone's missed out, someone stepped straight in and done a brilliant job,” said Cummins.







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