Australian Test captain Pat Cummins will not participate in the opening match of the Ashes series, as confirmed by Cricket Australia on November 6. This announcement follows Cummins’ ongoing recovery from a lumbar back injury sustained during the recent tour of the West Indies. As he trains at the Cricket NSW headquarters in Sydney, the focus now shifts to his potential return in the coming weeks.
Cummins has been diligently working on his fitness, engaging in running sessions under the watchful eye of CNSW head of physical performance, Dean McNamara. The captain drives his grey Jaguar I-Pace three times a week to the training facility, demonstrating his commitment to returning to peak condition. Australian spinner Nathan Lyon highlighted Cummins’ dedication, stating, “He’s been very good, actually. For him to leave the eastern suburbs and get out to Silverwater, I’ve been amazed.”
The injury, which was initially a private concern for Cummins, gained public attention when scans revealed significant lumbar bone stress on September 1. This prompted widespread speculation about his availability for the Ashes series, with hopes fluctuating between a full recovery and continued absence.
As the Ashes opener approaches, set to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth from November 21-25, Cummins’ timeline has shifted, with expectations now suggesting he may return for the second Test in Brisbane, commencing on December 4. Head coach Andrew McDonald provided a glimmer of optimism, stating that medical staff are “really optimistic and hopeful” about Cummins’ fitness.
Cummins has indicated a desire for at least a month of bowling practice before returning to competitive play. If he takes the field for bowling this week, he would have just under five weeks to prepare for the second Test. Nevertheless, the transition from practice to match conditions is significant, with Cummins needing to adapt to the demands of Test cricket.
Compounding the challenge, there is a Sheffield Shield match scheduled between NSW and Tasmania from November 22-25 in Sydney, which may not align with Cummins’ recovery plan. Instead, he is likely to remain with the national team during the first Test. Following that, NSW faces Queensland at the SCG from December 5-8, which overlaps with the second Test, further complicating his return.
There is also an upcoming Australia A match against the England Lions on December 5, taking place near the Gabba. Should Cummins aim to prove his fitness for the third Test in Adelaide, starting on December 17, this match could serve as a critical proving ground for his readiness.
Cricket Australia remains cautious about the management of Cummins’ injury. The organization is prioritizing long-term health over immediate participation, especially with the goal of securing an away Ashes series victory in 2027. As the timeline for Cummins’ involvement in Test cricket continues to evolve, he will likely face intense scrutiny from fans and media alike.
Despite the uncertainty, the latest updates indicate Cummins is not sidelined for the entire series. Earlier this month, he expressed a desire to return, stating, “I can’t probably say it, but it’s been nice not bowling for a while. I’m itching to get back in the nets.” McDonald also noted that Scott Boland could serve as a potential replacement, should Cummins not be ready. With 49 wickets from nine home Tests at an average of 12.63, Boland represents a strong option, though the team’s dynamics could shift dramatically if injuries affect other key players like Josh Hazlewood or Mitchell Starc.
As the countdown to the Ashes continues, all eyes will remain on Cummins’ recovery and readiness for what promises to be a highly competitive series.
