Australia’s Test captain, Pat Cummins, is in serious doubt for the upcoming first Ashes Test against England due to a lower back injury. There’s even a possibility he could miss the entire five-Test series, which is set to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Reports indicate that the prolific fast bowler hasn’t yet resumed bowling. He requires a substantial 4-6 weeks of intensive training to regain match fitness, making his participation in the series opener “effectively impossible.”
Sources suggest that recent scans show positive signs of healing in his back. However, medical staff are exercising extreme caution, prioritizing Cummins’ long-term health. This careful approach is crucial given his dual role as both captain and the team’s primary fast bowler.
Last month, Cummins himself commented on the situation, stating, “There’s not much you can do to speed it up unfortunately.” He elaborated that his current regimen is restricted to gym work and cycling, emphasizing rest as he gradually prepares to return to bowling.
Echoing this sentiment, former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee underlined the importance of Cummins being fully fit before making a comeback. Lee stressed, “He’s better off waiting until he is 100 percent fit because what they don’t want to do is play him in the first Test, 90 or 80 percent fit, and he goes and injures his back again. Then he’s buggered for the whole summer.”
Should Cummins be unavailable, Steve Smith is expected to assume the captaincy, with Scott Boland likely to join the bowling attack. Meanwhile, fellow pacers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are actively preparing for the series by competing in white-ball matches against India and various Sheffield Shield games.
Since his return to Test cricket in 2017, Cummins has demonstrated remarkable resilience, missing only a handful of matches. This year, he achieved a significant career milestone by becoming the eighth Australian bowler to claim 300 Test wickets. His most recent break from the team was during the Sri Lanka tour, when he took leave for the birth of his second child and to recover from an ankle injury.