Will Cummins Make a Comeback for the Next Ashes Test?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pat Cummins is hopeful for a comeback on December 4.
- He missed the first match due to a lower back injury.
- A decision on his fitness will be made closer to the match.
- His return would greatly enhance Australia's prospects in the series.
- Brendan Doggett may be replaced if Cummins is fit.
Perth, Nov 22 (NationPress) Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins has indicated that he might make a comeback for the second Test of the Ashes series at The Gabba, which is set to commence on December 4. Cummins is currently sidelined from the ongoing first match in Perth due to a lower back injury and has been uncertain about his participation in the upcoming fixture in Brisbane.
“It’s feeling good. I had a couple of productive sessions in Perth this week, with a big day of bowling around 10 overs followed by a couple of quieter days, and then going again. It’s on track and pulling up pretty well. (I’m) half a chance for the next game,” Cummins stated.
“I’ll have a few more bowling sessions, and with about two weeks until the next match, I’m feeling optimistic. It’s definitely better than it was a few weeks ago,” he shared with broadcasters Kayo Sports during the second day’s play.
Having Cummins back would be a huge boost for Australia, especially with Josh Hazlewood already out of the first two Tests due to a hamstring injury that could exclude him from the entire five-match series.
He also mentioned that a final assessment of his fitness will be made closer to the second Test, but he remains hopeful about leading Australia at The Gabba. “It’ll be a collaboration between myself and the physios, selectors, and doctors,” Cummins added.
“There are several factors to consider, and given that I’m not coming off a lot of cricket, I want to get a feel for the conditions, evaluate the wicket, and determine how the game might unfold before making a decision. If I don’t want to play, no one will push me into that position,” Cummins elaborated.
If Cummins is deemed fit to play at The Gabba, it is anticipated that debutant fast bowler Brendan Doggett will be replaced, even after his impressive first outing in the longer format, where he took five wickets.