Melbourne – Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald said Pat Cummins’ chances of playing the Ashes opener are shrinking, but he still believes the fast bowler can feature against England this summer.
Cummins has been sidelined by a back problem since July. The skipper began running again after scans showed his lower‑back injury had relaxed a bit. McDonald admits that Cummins is racing against time; he isn’t yet cleared to bowl again and must gain four to four‑and‑a‑half weeks of match‑ready practice before the first Test on November 21 in Perth.
“If we play a soft‑tissue injury early in the series, it could set Cummins back for the rest of the Ashes,” McDonald warned. “We have to weigh the risk: skill readiness and real injury danger.”
If Cummins can’t make it, the team may bring in former skipper Steve Smith to lead, while rookie quick Scott Boland could step in for the main bowling line‑up that includes Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
McDonald said Cummins’ outlook improved recently. “We added new training variables in the last two weeks and the results were positive,” he said. “I’m optimistic now – injuries can ebb and flow.” He added that Cummins’ ability to prepare for Tests in a shortened schedule isn’t a major concern, but the clock is ticking. “By next week we’ll have a clearer picture of where he stands.”
Source: ianslive
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