Australia captain Pat Cummins has set his sights on returning for the second Ashes Test against England in Brisbane, starting on 4 December, after being sidelined with a lower-back issue since July. The 32-year-old fast bowler has been ruled out of the series opener in Perth, where Steve Smith will captain the side, but Cummins is optimistic about his availability for the day-night Test at the Gabba.
Cummins has resumed bowling multiple overs on a reduced run-up and said he is building his plan towards the second Test. “That’s the aim and we’re building our plan to the second Test,” Cummins said. “It’s probably not until you get a bit closer that you can really know where you’re at. The good thing is that I’m pulling up well and the body is great.” He added that he will have a “really good bowl” in Perth to assess his fitness.
Despite targeting a return, Cummins expressed uncertainty about his workload over the five-match series. “I don’t really want to commit to anything this far out. I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can,” he said. “But realistically, if we have a big game and bowl 40 or 50 overs and then there’s a game that starts a few days later, it might be a bridge too far.” The schedule includes four-day gaps between the third and fourth Tests, and the fourth and fifth Tests.
Scott Boland is expected to replace Cummins in the pace attack for the first Test, with Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett also named in the squad. Meanwhile, Cummins defended Australia’s selectors against criticism from former captain Steve Waugh, who questioned the panel’s willingness to make tough calls on an aging side. Cummins said the selectors have “done a great job of managing the transition” and that players do not hold undue influence over selection decisions.
