Sydney: Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins hinted on Thursday at a comeback for the second Ashes Test, a day after the side unveiled its squad ahead of this month’s opener. The 32-year-old pace spearhead has not played since picking up a lower back injury against the West Indies more than three months ago.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Cummins expressed optimism about his recovery while speaking to journalists. “It’s all feeling really good. On track and yeah, probably better than I expected,” he said. Cummins mentioned that each session has been incremental, and he is hopeful about being close to a full run-up and getting some overs in by the time he reaches Perth.
Cummins further elaborated on his recovery process, stating, “It’s probably not until you get a bit closer that you can really know where you’re at.” He emphasized the importance of keeping the second Test in Brisbane on December 4 as a “real live option” for his return. His tentative return was first rumoured late last month when local television cameras captured him in a brief net session in Sydney, bowling off a five-step run-up.
For the upcoming first Test against Ben Stokes’ England in Perth starting November 21, Steve Smith will take over as Australian captain. Scott Boland will replace Cummins in the seam attack, joining quick bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. England, who drew 2-2 in the most recent Ashes series on home turf in 2023, have not secured a win in Australia since the 2010-2011 series.