Pat Cummins’ Recovery: Australia’s Optimism Ahead of the Ashes Series
Australia’s cricket selectors are optimistic about captain Pat Cummins’ participation in the upcoming Ashes series against England, despite his ongoing recovery from a back stress injury. George Bailey, the chair of selectors, shared that the 32-year-old fast bowler is “building up” well in his rehabilitation, expressing confidence in his potential availability for the five-Test series starting in Perth on November 21.
“We know time is getting short, and there are various factors to consider beyond just his back injury,” Bailey noted. "However, we remain hopeful and are confident that he will play a significant role, ideally in the first Test. If not, we will adapt as needed."
Cummins missed the recent white-ball series against New Zealand and India due to a lumbar bone stress issue identified during scans earlier this year. This injury has reignited concerns about the back problems that previously sidelined him for extended periods between 2012 and 2016. Nevertheless, the Australian captain is committed to an aggressive recovery strategy to ensure he is fit to face England.
"I’m willing to take some risks if necessary," Cummins stated recently, emphasizing his determination to participate in this marquee series.
While Bailey did not confirm whether Cummins has resumed bowling during training, he acknowledged that the timeline for readiness for the Perth Test is becoming critical. If Cummins cannot recover in time, vice-captain Steve Smith is prepared to step in, a role he has fulfilled several times in recent years.
In addition to Cummins, the Australian team is also closely monitoring all-rounder Cameron Green’s fitness. Green was withdrawn from the one-day international squad against India as a precaution due to side soreness. Bailey described the issue as “minor,” confirming that Green will regain his fitness through Sheffield Shield cricket ahead of the Ashes.
“We have invested a lot of time and energy into ensuring he is available as an all-rounder for the first Test,” Bailey explained. “He was only slated to play the first two ODIs anyway. Given his impact in white-ball cricket, we decided to take a more conservative approach to avoid any setbacks.”
Green’s presence is vital for maintaining the balance of Australia’s lineup, and selectors are eager to deploy a full-strength bowling attack for the opening match. Cummins’ potential absence would be a significant setback, given his status as one of the world’s leading fast bowlers and his leadership role since taking over from Tim Paine in 2021.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his condition, Bailey remains hopeful about Cummins’ participation. “We’re confident he’ll be ready. The signs are positive, and he’s putting in an incredible amount of work. Even if he doesn’t make the first Test, we anticipate he will play a crucial role in the Ashes series,” Bailey concluded.
As fans eagerly await the start of the Ashes, the cricketing world is watching closely to see how Cummins and the team navigate these challenges.
