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Pat Cummins keeps England guessing of his Ashes future

Australia captain Pat Cummins has spoken about his chances of playing in the first Ashes Test against England, scheduled to be held in Perth on 21 November. Cummins admitted he was unlikely to feature in the series opener due to a back injury, despite there being more than a month to go before the next home series.

The 32-year-old is recovering from a back strain injury sustained during the West Indies tour in July. He, who took 309 wickets, was a key player for the team both as a bowler and as captain. He led Australia to the finals of the last World Test Championship, securing the 2023 title.

I would say less than likely – Pat Cummins on playing Ashes opener

Speaking at Fox cricket’s season launch in Sydney, Pat Cummins gave an update on his fitness ahead of the first Ashes Test against England. Cummins described his chances of playing as “less likely than likely” and added that he still needs several weeks to return to a full bowling workload.

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I would say less than likely, but I still have a little time. I feel good, I still have a little time, so there is a little work. Start running and you should mark it off every week before you get to the next thing. “So build the runs and start bowling very soon, but it’s probably too early to say,” Cummins said.

“You want at least a month in the nets, to get used to it. If you’re going to play a Test match, you want to make sure you’re on point with bowling 20 balls a day and not having to really think about it. Four weeks is pretty tight, but somewhere around that mark,” he added.

I give myself a chance to be right – Pat Cummins

When asked about the possibility of missing the entire Ashes series, Pat Cummins stated that he would travel with the team. He stressed that his focus is on regaining his physical fitness and being present for as much of the series as possible.

“The immediate goal is to make sure I give myself a chance to be right on as much of it as possible. So it’s too early to make some big decisions. You’re trying to end each session to get one step closer,” Cummins stated.

“If I don’t play this first Test, I hope I will be as close to playing and preparing as the physios, coaches and players are, so yes, the intention is to travel.”

Pat Cummins’ absence forces Australia to adjust Ashes series plans

The absence of Pat Cummins forces the team to change its plans. Steve Smith will take over as team captain. Smith, who briefly took charge during the 2023-24 season, brings valuable experience to stabilize the team in Cummins’ absence.

Cummins took 309 wickets in 71 Tests at an average of 22.10, including 91 wickets in Ashes competitions. Scott Bolland is expected to take on the role of third seamer alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Boland’s consistency makes him the perfect replacement for the Perth Test.

Australia will be looking to extend the hold on the Ashes urn they have held since 2018. Meanwhile, England, led by Ben Stokes, will gain confidence from the possibility of avoiding Australia’s most dangerous bowler as they seek their first Test win on Australian soil since 2011.

Also Read: ‘Angry’ Washington Sundar confronts Richard Illingworth after umpire’s call deprives him of wicket in Delhi Test

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2025-10-13 05:32:00

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