Australia’s captain and pace ace Pat Cummins has taken a crucial step in his recovery, bowling for the first time since July as he eyes a return for the second Ashes Test against England. The 32-year-old fast bowler has been sidelined for more than three months due to a lower back injury sustained against the West Indies.
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In a positive sign for Australian fans, Pat Cummins was seen bowling in a short net session at the Sydney Cricket Ground, captured by local television cameras. Though he operated with a restricted five-step run-up, his participation marked a key milestone in his comeback journey ahead of the much-anticipated Ashes series.
Pat Cummins has already been ruled out of the first Test in Perth starting November 21, but the team’s medical staff remains optimistic about his recovery in time for the second match — a day-night Test in Brisbane beginning December 4.
“We’re on the journey to that second Test and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome,” head coach Andrew McDonald said earlier this week. “We’ll see how he pulls up and then we’ll make decisions moving forward.”
With Pat Cummins unavailable, vice-captain Steve Smith will lead Australia in the opening Test, bringing his experience back into the captaincy role. Fast bowler Scott Boland is expected to step in for Cummins and join the pace attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood — a combination that promises both swing and consistency on Australian pitches.
While the bowling unit looks settled, the batting lineup remains a concern for the selectors. The big question is who will open the innings with Usman Khawaja. Sam Konstas, who has been under pressure following a series of low scores, struggled again in the Sheffield Shield, dismissed for just 10 runs on Thursday.
Selectors are keeping a close eye on performances in the ongoing domestic competition before finalizing the Ashes squad. Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne are reportedly under consideration as potential opening partners for Khawaja, offering both stability and experience at the top of the order.
For Pat Cummins, however, the focus remains on regaining full fitness. Known for his durability and leadership, his presence will be crucial for Australia as they aim to retain the Ashes on home soil. The Brisbane Test could mark his long-awaited return, and fans will be watching closely as he continues his rehabilitation in the coming weeks.
