Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey shared an update on captain Pat Cummins’ recovery ahead of the opening Ashes 2025-26 match against England. The left-handed batsman said the skipper, who was dropped from the Ashes opener, looked in form during the hour-long net session at the Optus Stadium.
Cummins did not have to play the first match of Ashes 2025-26 in Perth. He suffered a back strain injury during Australia’s 3–0 series win over the West Indies in July. The fast bowler has resumed his preparations for the remaining Ashes campaign and aims to be ready in time for the second Test against England in Brisbane.
Pat Cummins looked ready to go – Alex Carey
Alex Carey said Pat Cummins looked in great touch during recent net sessions, adding that the fast bowler bowled at full speed with ease. However, Carey said Cummins still needs to rebuild overall match fitness before returning.
“I’ve got to keep it in check a bit. I saw him bowling in the nets yesterday… he looked ready to go!” Carey told SEN’s The Run Home.
“I think it’s ready now. It’s probably not like bowling the ball at 140 (km/h) as he looked like he did yesterday with great ease. It’s probably a work around of playing fitness, so to speak,” he said.
We all know Pat Cummins is a professional – Alex Carey
Alex Carey expressed optimism about Pat Cummins’ recovery. Carey said the team hopes he continues to improve and returns to action soon. He said that even if he misses the next match, Australia has enough depth to manage.
Carey added, “He continues to perform well and keep himself ready. We all know he’s a professional, so we’ll see him back soon. There’s a lot of depth in this group, so if it’s not the next game, hopefully it’ll be soon.”
Australia begin their Ashes campaign on Friday, November 21 in Perth. The second Test will start in Brisbane from 4 December. Cummins will have more than two weeks to regain his fitness and join the team for the second match.
Steve Smith will captain Australia in the Perth Test in the absence of Pat Cummins.
Steve Smith will captain the team in the Perth Test and Scott Boland is expected to be included in the playing eleven. Cummins made his debut in 2011 and since then he has taken 91 wickets against England. He has repeatedly struggled with back problems, including a major setback in 2018.
England came in with a strong pace battery which included Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse and Mark Wood. Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad fueled the rivalry by describing it as Australia’s weakest team in 15 years.
England have struggled for two decades in Australia and have won only one Ashes Test there since 2010–11. Australia dominated the recent home series 4-0, with Cummins leading the attack. They retained the Vase in 2023 after a 2-2 draw in England.
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