Cummins Ready for Gabba, but Might Need Rest

Cummins Ready for Gabba, but Might Need Rest

Ashes 2025: The fast bowler has been sidelined by a lower-back issue since July and has already been ruled out of the series opener in Perth, where he will be replaced as skipper by Steve Smith.

Pat Cummins is on track to return for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, though he admits it may be tough to play every match in the series without a break. The Australian Test captain has been recovering from a back injury that kept him out since July and is gradually building up his bowling workload.

He recently bowled nearly eight overs in the nets and hopes to be back at full pace by the start of the first Test. Cummins has not experienced any pain during his comeback, and there are no signs of the stress injury flaring up again.

While officials haven’t confirmed his return for the Brisbane Test, Cummins remains optimistic and says that’s the goal. He plans to bowl properly in Perth next week, which will help him assess his readiness.

However, Cummins is realistic about the challenges of playing all five Tests this summer. The schedule includes only short gaps between the third, fourth, and fifth matches, which could be tough for fast bowlers, especially if games go the distance.

He said that bowling 40–50 overs in one match and then playing again just days later might be too much. Cummins also mentioned he doesn’t feel the need to play a warm-up match in domestic or tour games to prepare. Instead, he will travel with the team to Perth and stay close to the coaching staff, hoping to gain insights from watching the game from the coach’s box something he found useful during the 2023 ODI World Cup.

In Cummins’ absence, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will lead the pace attack, with Scott Boland retaining his spot after a hat-trick in the last Test against the West Indies. Australia is also monitoring all-rounder Cameron Green, who is expected to bowl up to 20 overs in his next Sheffield Shield match. Beau Webster could be retained as a second all-rounder option.