Australia's cricket captain, Pat Cummins, has declared himself ready to make a crucial comeback for the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide. The star fast bowler has been sidelined for the series opener in Perth and the ongoing day-night contest in Brisbane due to a back injury.
Road to Recovery and Adelaide Comeback
Cummins provided a positive update on his fitness, stating his body feels great. "I'll have one more bowl tomorrow (in the nets) and then we'll go to Adelaide and have a bowl there. So barring any hiccups, I'll be good to go," he told Fox Sports. His return is a significant boost for the Australian side, especially with fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood also unlikely to be fit for the Adelaide match.
Selection Decisions and Missed Opportunities
The path to his return wasn't straightforward. Selectors had seriously considered picking Cummins for the second Test at the Gabba but ultimately decided the risk was too high just a week before the match. Cummins was omitted from the squad named for Brisbane, a decision he supported. "It just felt a bit too acute at the end and didn't really feel fair on the other bowlers," he explained. "So we thought it didn't feel like the right Test match to take that risk -- so kick it down the road for a week."
Team Impact and Bowling Line-Up
In Cummins' absence, Steve Smith has taken on the captaincy duties. Scott Boland has led the pace attack since Perth, stepping into the void left by the skipper. With Cummins' return now confirmed for the Adelaide Test, he is likely to replace either Brendan Doggett or Michael Neser in the playing eleven, bolstering Australia's bowling resources as they seek to gain an advantage in the fiercely contested Ashes series.
