Australia’s Ashes preparations have been dealt a major blow, with captain Pat Cummins expected to miss the opening test against England. As per the age, the fast bowler has not fully recovered from the back injury and could be ruled out of the entire five-match series after a fresh round of scans.
Cummins suffered a back strain injury during the West Indies tour and has been out of action for several months. After missing the tour of New Zealand, the Australian skipper has been left out of the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against India at home, delaying his return to international cricket.
Pat Cummins’ back strain injury remains unhurt
Recent medical scans have cast uncertainty over Pat Cummins’ availability for the upcoming Ashes series. The Australian captain’s back strain injury has not fully healed, leaving him unable to resume bowling just six weeks before the opening Test in Perth on November 21.
According to Australian media reports, the medical team remains cautious about prolonging his comeback, focusing on preserving his long-term fitness given his dual role as captain and strike bowler.
There was initial optimism about a comeback during the ashfall, but the latest scans have tempered those hopes. Cummins could miss the entire series, and Steve Smith could be asked to step in as captain once again. Smith previously led Australia as skipper to 23 wins in 40 matches, losing only 10.
Steve Smith likely to lead Australia in Pat Cummins’ absence
Pat Cummins’ absence leaves a significant void as both a bowler and a leader as Australia defends the Ashes series.
In the absence of Cummins, Scott Boland is set to step in as the third seamer. Boland could join Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in Perth. Boland, in particular, has consistently supported Australia’s pace attack in recent summers and now has the opportunity to play a key role in the series.
However, the situation also raises questions about the depth of the squad, as the selectors may need to bring in an extra pacer as injury cover. With Hazlewood, Starc and Boland in the latter stages of their careers, Australia’s fast-bowling stock is entering a transitional phase.
England have not won a Test in Australia since 2011. Cummins recently crossed the 300-wicket mark. He did not play during the Sri Lanka tour, to devote time to family and recover from an ankle issue.
It would be disastrous – Pat Cummins
Speaking to the media in Brisbane a month ago, Pat Cummins addressed concerns about missing the Ashes 2025. The Australian captain said he was committed to doing everything possible to recover in time for the first Test match.
“It would be devastating. We’re doing everything we can to be right for him, [and] make some decisions a little closer, but [I’m] Confident that we will get the rehab right and give it a good crack. ,
“It’s hard to know where it’s going to happen, but we’re trying to make sure we’re doing everything right to get it right for Perth,” Cummins was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.
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