Pat Cummins Loses Race to be Fit for First Ashes Test

Pat Cummins, the Australia captain, has lost his race to be fit for the first Ashes Test against England next month.
The 32-year-old has not bowled since Australia’s 3-0 series win over the West Indies in July.

What happened?

Cummins has been struggling with a stress fracture in his back and has now resumed running, but the match at the Optus Stadium from November 21 will come too soon.

Why it matters for Pat Cummins

Australia coach Andrew McDonald is hopeful Cummins will recover to skipper the side in the second Test in Brisbane in early December.

Cummins will still travel to Perth with the squad to continue his recovery, with Scott Boland likely to play in his absence.

What comes next?

Vice-captain Steve Smith, who was stripped of the top job in the wake of the sandpaper scandal in 2018, has deputised for Cummins six times since the bowler was awarded the captaincy in November 2021.

McDonald told reporters in Canberra on Sunday that Cummins will be back bowling this week, and that’s a huge step.
The nature of the injury is that you never know and you’re sort of taking it a day by day, McDonald added.

Cummins has been out of action since July, and his absence will be felt in the first Ashes Test.
But with Smith at the helm, Australia will still be a formidable opponent for England.

The first Ashes Test will take place on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Cummins will be watching from the sidelines, but he will be back in action soon, McDonald said.

And with Cummins' return on the horizon, Australia will be looking to make a strong comeback in the second Test.
But for now, they will have to rely on Smith and the rest of the team to get the job done.

The Australia squad will be looking to make a statement in the first Ashes Test, despite Cummins' absence.
They will be facing a tough opponent in England, but they are confident in their abilities.

So the stage is set for an exciting first Ashes Test, with Smith leading the charge for Australia.
And with Cummins' return looming, the series is shaping up to be a thrilling one.

The Ashes series will be a test of endurance and skill for both teams, and Cummins' absence will be felt.
But with Smith at the helm, Australia is ready to take on the challenge.

On November 21, the cricket world will be watching as Australia takes on England in the first Ashes Test.
And although Cummins will not be playing, his presence will still be felt, McDonald said.

The road to recovery has been long and arduous for Cummins, but he is finally on the mend.
And with his return on the horizon, Australia will be looking to make a strong comeback in the second Test.