Australia captain Pat Cummins is confident of making his comeback during the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, despite ongoing recovery from a lower-back injury that has kept him out since July. The fast bowler has been ramping up his rehabilitation, bowling multiple overs on a reduced run-up, and believes he is on course to play the day-night Test starting on 4 December.
Cummins has already been ruled out of the series opener in Perth, where Steve Smith will take over captaincy duties. Scott Boland is expected to replace Cummins in the pace attack alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. However, the 32-year-old remains optimistic that his body will be ready for the challenge at the Gabba.
“That’s the aim and we’re building our plan to the second Test,” Cummins said. “It’s probably not until you get a bit closer that you can really know where you’re at. The good thing is that I’m pulling up well and the body is great. We’re trying to keep that second Test as a live option.”
Despite his optimism, Cummins admitted uncertainty over how much he could feature in the remainder of the five-match series. The quick acknowledged that Australia’s tight schedule, including two short four-day gaps between Tests in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, might require him to be managed carefully.
“I don’t really want to commit to anything this far out,” he said. “If we have a big game and bowl 40 or 50 overs and then there’s another match a few days later, it might be a bridge too far.”
Australia named their squad for the Perth Test earlier this week, with Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott providing further fast-bowling cover.
Away from his fitness concerns, Cummins also defended Australia’s selectors following comments from former captain Steve Waugh, who questioned chief selector George Bailey’s willingness to make tough decisions for an ageing team.
Cummins insisted the selectors had done a commendable job overseeing the team’s transition. “I think the selectors have done a great job managing the transition,” he said. “There are many pathways to prepare the next group through one-day, T20, and Australia A cricket. We’re lucky many of our senior players have maintained top fitness and form for longer than usual.”
With his recovery progressing steadily, Cummins’ return at the Gabba could provide a significant boost to Australia’s Ashes defence, though his long-term workload remains under close watch.
