Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain, is working hard to get back to full fitness for the high-stakes Ashes series against England. The star bowler has been dealing with back soreness since Australia’s tour of the Caribbean in July, and recent scans revealed a lumbar bone stress injury. Doctors have advised him to rest, avoiding any running or bowling for now.
Cummins knows he must prove his readiness before the first Test in Perth on November 21. He’s aiming to start bowling again about four to six weeks before the series kicks off. Speaking at a Cricket Australia sponsorship event on Wednesday, he shared his thoughts on the timeline.
“I’d imagine at minimum a month out, maybe six weeks,” Cummins said. “But I’ve not thought that deeply about it yet. It’s still a bit of a wait and see. We’ve got plenty of time, so we’ll map a way back when we get closer. At the moment for the next few weeks, it’s pretty light. Not much running and zero bowling.”
If Cummins misses the opening Ashes Test due to his back injury, Scott Boland could step in as his replacement. The experienced pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and spinner Nathan Lyon are almost guaranteed to play. As the reigning ICC World Test Championship runners-up, Australia boasts a strong lineup of fast bowlers ready to shine.
Cummins remains confident in the team’s depth. “We feel really well placed,” he added. “A lot of planning goes in. It’s not just a month before, it’s 12 months out. Someone like Jhye Richardson hopefully will be available for some of the summer. There’s Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett was part of squads last year, Sean Abbott. So I’m really confident in our depth. Obviously there is a bit of Sheffield Shield cricket and white-ball cricket before that to make sure everyone is up and raring to go.”
Cricket fans are eagerly watching Cummins’ recovery progress as the Ashes series approaches. With Australia’s solid fast bowling options, the team looks set for another thrilling battle against England. Stay tuned for updates on Pat Cummins’ fitness and the Ashes 2023 schedule.
