Cummins’ Ashes fitness update, key selection hint as summer of cricket launched

Australian captain Pat Cummins has spoken publicly for the first time about his race to be fit for the upcoming Ashes series, saying it is “probably less likely than likely” that he will play in the first Test in Perth starting November 21.

Cummins has been sidelined by a lower back stress injury that was revealed following the tour of the West Indies in July, and multiple reports last week suggested that the 32-year-old’s latest scan had not shown as much progress as the Australian hierarchy had hoped.

Cummins then told reporters in Sydney on Monday morning at the launch of Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket that he is gunning to be back in time to play a role in the early part of the series, despite not yet returning to the bowling crease at training.

Watch the 2025 Men’s Test matches LIVE & EXCLUSIVE on FOX CRICKET, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

“I’m running today, and every second day,” Cummins said.

“Each run is getting a little longer and then we kind of get into bowling next week.

“Probably a couple of weeks away before putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf.

“It’s been a good couple of weeks. Each sessions feels better and better.”

The Australian skipper then was asked how long he would need to prepare before playing in a Test match, and he gave fans a rough timeline to follow for his return.

“You want at least probably a month in the nets,” he said.

“If you’re playing a Test match, you want to make sure you’re right to bowl 20 overs in a day and you don’t really have to think about it.

“Four weeks is pretty tight, but I reckon somewhere around that mark.”

As for how many Tests it may be that Cummins likely misses, he was unwilling to put a number on it.

“It’s a bit early to know,” he said.

“It’s pretty hard to go from not bowling at all to (playing) five Tests, so first step is trying to have a shot at being right.”

Cummins was then asked about how his back is physically feeling, and he reiterated that he is progressing well despite time running out before the blockbuster series begins.

“A little bit stiff from the injury, but also kind of because it hasn’t been used for a while,” he said.

“Each session you do a little bit (more) of a run and make sure you pull up all right.

“I’m actually feeling pretty good at the moment.

“A few of the symptoms hung around for a little longer than what I would have liked but they’re all gone now.

“So, just trying to increase the workload and make sure the body’s responding well.”

The added strain placed on the Australian bowling group has highlighted the importance of all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster’s ability to contribute handy overs with the ball.

There have been doubts raised about the feasibility of playing two all-rounders in the same XI given Green was not bowling in the Caribbean and the World Test Championship final when they played together, but it is certainly not unprecedented.

Green and Mitchell Marsh have featured in the same team at different times in recent years, and Cummins hinted that is likely both Green and Webster will play in Perth.

“Obviously I’m not going to talk about any teams until we’re a lot closer, but I don’t see why you can’t have two all-rounders,” Cummins said.

“We’ve had two all-rounders in the team before.

“We’ve had two wicket keepers in the team before.

“Both have done brilliantly for us over the past year.

“If anything, if you’re an all-rounder that should work for you, not against you.

“So, I can see how they both play.”

The other big selection question is the opening position alongside Usman Khawaja.

Marnus Labuschagne has put his best foot forward in domestic cricket so far this season for Queensland, and Cummins said he was particularly pleased with seeing the long-time No.3 be a lot more proactive at the crease.

“I think he’s pretty well suited to the top order,” Cummins said of Labuschagne.

“He’s doing all the right things. Three hundreds, I think in his last four knocks, and proven at this level.

“Just watching a few of the highlights, looks like he’s really busy, and showing that intent.

“Which I think when he’s at his best, he’s doing well.

“Obviously when we get closer, we’ll figure out a batting order.”

As for the psychological impact of his delayed start to the summer, Cummins admitted it was frustrating, but also acknowledged that he has enjoyed a largely injury free run since returning the Test side in 2017.

He was injury plagued as a youngster, having waited six years between his first and second Tests, but such a nagging issue has been rare since Cummins matured into his body.

“Some days I’m kind of annoyed because it’s the Ashes and a big summer,” he said.

“Other days, I’m a little more realistic. The last seven or eight years, I’ve had uninterrupted home summers so I’ve had a really good run as a fast bowler.

“Someone like ‘Joshy’ (Hazlewood) has missed the last couple of times. He’s been a little more unlucky so maybe it’s my turn.

“With such a big summer ahead, you want to be in the mixer. Even with the India one day series and T20 series, I wish I was a part of that.

“If it’s not to be, it’s part of cricket getting injuries.”

Click here to read article