Australia head coach Andrew McDonald provided an update amid uncertainty over Pat Cummins’ availability for the 2025-26 Ashes series starting November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. McDonald is optimistic that Cummins can play in the first Test of the upcoming five-match series against England.
Cummins continues to recover from a back injury and has not bowled since Australia’s last Test against the West Indies in July. Cricket Australia has not yet taken any decision regarding his return to bowling or his availability. With just over six weeks remaining, Cummins’ chances of playing in the first Test are slim.
Pat Cummins and I have talked about this – Andrew McDonald
Andrew McDonald expressed confidence that Pat Cummins can return to the team for the Ashes. However, McDonald warned against recalling him due to risks such as a lack of skill readiness and the possibility of soft tissue injuries. He stressed that the team will carefully consider all factors.
“Patty and I have talked about that kind of timeframe,” the ICC quoted McDonald as saying.
“Or you start to bring in other risk factors. A: You’re not ready for the skill, or B: Soft tissue injuries then become a real risk.”
“And if you get a soft tissue injury at the start of a series like the Ashes, it’s a long way from where it was. So we’ll be careful with all those risk factors.”
Some positive signs talking to Pat Cummins – Andrew McDonald
Australia’s head coach said Pat Cummins’ recovery is making gradual progress, with recent training sessions showing positive signs. McDonald said Cummins was unsure about his chances for the Perth Test a few weeks ago but has become more positive after recent developments.
“It’s been a big few weeks, we’ve made some changes to his training over the last few weeks and it’s had positive results,” McDonald said.
“There have been some positive signs in talking to Patty the last few days. She’s a lot more optimistic. People who have been through this type of injury (say) these things come and go.”
“A couple of weeks ago, did he think he had a chance (to play in Perth)? Potentially not, he was a bit nervous. Then you put it forward two weeks and there’s a lot of positivity. We’ve still got a bit to go.”
We are starting to be agile in terms of time – Andrew McDonald
Andrew McDonald said it is difficult to get Pat Cummins fit for the first Ashes Test. He said that Cummins can perform well even with less preparation. McDonald said the team will have a better understanding of Cummins’ fitness and preparation by this time next week.
“One advantage with Patty is that he has the ability to prepare for Test matches despite less preparation. So if it is shortened, we are confident that he will still be able to perform well in the first Test.
“But the reality is that we’re starting to be tight in terms of time. We’re still optimistic, hopeful, but this time next week, I think we’ll be in a position to have a better idea of where he is.”
There is an eight-day break after each of the first two Test matches of the series, allowing Australia to manage its fast bowling resources. If Pat Cummins requires additional recovery time, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland may be able to bowl in the Adelaide Test without the need for rest.
However, there is only a four-day gap between the Adelaide and Melbourne Tests as well as the Melbourne and Sydney matches.
Also read: Pat Cummins advised to skip Ashes 2025-26 against England; replacement named