Australia's cricket captain Pat Cummins has delivered encouraging news for home fans, stating he has 'half a chance' of being fit for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
Injury Setback and Team Response
The fast bowler missed Australia's emphatic eight-wicket victory in the first Test at Perth due to a back injury that has sidelined him since July. Despite his absence, the hosts secured a dominant win inside just two days, raising serious concerns about England's batting capabilities in Australian conditions.
Cummins was replaced in the bowling attack by Scott Boland, who impressed with 4-33 in the second innings, while Steve Smith took over captaincy duties for the opening match.
Road to Recovery
The Australian skipper has begun his rehabilitation process, bowling multiple overs on a reduced run-up during training sessions. 'It's feeling good,' Cummins reported during commentary for Fox Sports TV. 'I had a couple of good sessions in Perth this week, so having a big day where I'd bowl around 10 overs then a couple of quieter days and then going again.'
He expressed cautious optimism about his chances for the day-night Test at the Gabba, scheduled to begin on 4 December. 'It's on track and pulling up pretty well. I'll have a couple more bowls and then there could be about two weeks before the next one the way this one is going. I'm pretty hopeful and it's probably better than it was a few weeks ago.'
Team Support and Selection Dilemma
Stand-in captain Steve Smith left no doubt about his desire to see Cummins return to the side, despite the team's comprehensive performance without him. 'I hope so,' Smith stated unequivocally. 'He's obviously an absolute weapon. Our skipper and arguably the best bowler in the world so of course you want him back.'
Smith praised his team's efforts in securing a 1-0 series lead, describing the Perth victory as 'an amazing game' while acknowledging they have 'two weeks before the next game' to assess Cummins' fitness properly.
While Australia may regain their captain, concerns remain about opener Usman Khawaja, who injured his back during fielding practice and was unable to bat in either innings in Perth. Cummins explained: 'Unfortunately Uzzy is not moving too well. His back flared up again in the slips going for a jump above his head so he's unable to open.'
