Cummins Aims for Ashes Opener Amid Injury Concerns

BRISBANE: Australian cricket team captain Pat Cummins has acknowledged he might need a proactive strategy to demonstrate his readiness for the Ashes Test match against England in Perth, scheduled to commence on November 21.

Due to a lumbar bone stress issue, Cummins will not participate in the upcoming limited-overs series against both New Zealand and India.

Chief selector George Bailey remains hopeful that the 31-year-old will be fit enough to lead the team in the Ashes series; however, he stated nothing is certain.

Cummins, in his first public statement after his injury was diagnosed, emphasized that missing the highly anticipated series would be extremely disappointing.

“It would be crushing, so we are going to do all we can to be ready for that and try and take some decisions a little closer, but [I’m] confident,” Cummins stated to reporters on Wednesday in Brisbane. “Do the rehab correctly and give it everything you have.”

“It’s a significant Ashes series. It doesn’t get much more important, so I believe you would be willing to accept some risks and be slightly aggressive to participate in as much Test [cricket] as possible.”

Cummins voiced confidence in his ability to prepare without any actual game experience, which mirrors Bailey’s opinion.

“At this point in my career, I believe I can accelerate my readiness more quickly than when I was 18 or 19,” he mentioned. “Previously, it felt necessary to participate in a few Shield games or one-day matches. Now, I’m quite confident that even without that opportunity, I’ll be able to find my rhythm.”

The fast bowler initially felt some soreness after Australia’s 3-0 Test victory over the West Indies in July, where he bowled only 60 overs throughout the three games.

“Allowed it about another month [following the tour], and I’ve had a pretty restful month to help alleviate it, and I had another scan on Monday, which wasn’t terrible but sufficient enough to realize there’s a little bit of an issue there and I need to be cautious for the immediate future,” Cummins stated.

“It doesn’t feel too severe, but I’m clearly not bowling or exerting myself much at the moment. Bone injuries require you to let them settle down.”

“I’m still doing some gym work, but no real running or bowling. Get that sorted, and then we’ll build up for the summer. We have considerable time, around 12 weeks, until the first Test. We’ll see how the near future goes.”

While maintaining his gym routine, Cummins has put running and bowling on hold as he gradually works toward full fitness, with nearly three months until the Ashes.

If Cummins cannot recover in time, Australia has alternative options. Scott Boland, who achieved a hat-trick against the West Indies in July, seems to be the leading candidate to join the attack. Other possible pace bowlers are Sean Abbott, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and Jhye Richardson.

“We consistently mention the need for substantial depth,” Cummins commented. “We’ve enjoyed good fortune over the past few years. We haven’t really needed to go beyond the main four guys, but individuals like Sean Abbott…Doggy [Brendan Doggett], there are about four or five guys. Ness [Michael Neser] has clearly been around, Jhye Richardson.”

“There are players who have been associated with the Test team in recent years and haven’t had numerous chances, but we recognize they will be adequate if required. But ideally, the other three will be fighting fit, along with me, and we have abundant resources.”

Since Cummins assumed the captaincy in November 2021, former captain Steven Smith has frequently filled in during his absence and is still available as cover if necessary.