Pat Cummins Begins Bowling in Nets as Race to Be Fit for Ashes Heats Up
Sydney, October 29: Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has resumed bowling in the nets as part of his rehabilitation from a back injury sustained during the Caribbean tour in June, signaling positive progress in his bid to return for the Ashes series against England.
Cummins, who has been sidelined for several months due to a lumbar bone stress injury, remains officially ruled out of the first Test in Perth. However, his recent bowling sessions at the NSW Cricket Central in Sydney Olympic Park have reignited hopes of his comeback later in the series.
Bowling Again: A Promising Sign for the Skipper
According to reports from Sky News Australia, Cummins was spotted bowling under the supervision of key New South Wales coaching staff, marking his first proper bowling session since the injury. His return to the nets comes as part of a carefully structured recovery plan overseen by Cricket Australia’s medical team and head coach Andrew McDonald.
McDonald had earlier confirmed that Cummins would begin bowling this week as part of his four-week rehabilitation block, designed to assess his match readiness ahead of the crucial series against England.
“Pat has been training consistently and has entered a progressive bowling phase,” McDonald said. “We’re not rushing his return. His long-term fitness and ability to sustain a full workload are our top priorities.”
Ruled Out of Perth Test, Smith to Lead
With Cummins still on the recovery path, Steve Smith has been appointed to lead the Australian side for the first Ashes Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Smith, who last captained Australia in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, will once again step up in Cummins’ absence.
The first Test is set to begin in early December, giving the Australian captain a narrow window to complete his rehabilitation and regain match fitness before the series intensifies.
Team sources indicated that Cummins’ selection for the second Test in Brisbane will depend heavily on how his body responds to the next four weeks of bowling. Medical staff are closely monitoring his workload to avoid aggravating the back injury, which has been known to recur among fast bowlers.
Boland Likely to Replace Cummins in Perth
If Cummins is unavailable for the series opener, Scott Boland is expected to slot into the playing XI as the third seamer, joining Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Boland, who has an impressive Test record on home soil, is considered a reliable option due to his accuracy and ability to exploit bounce on Australian pitches.
Boland’s remarkable debut during the 2021-22 Ashes, where he took 6 for 7 at the MCG, remains one of the most memorable performances in recent series history. His inclusion would maintain the balance in Australia’s pace attack while Cummins focuses on recovery.
Australia’s squad for the Perth Test is expected to be announced next week, and selectors are likely to keep the captain’s position open in case Cummins makes significant progress in training.
Fitness Timeline and Return Possibilities
The Australian skipper’s return plan involves a four-week bowling block, during which his intensity and volume will gradually increase. The medical team will evaluate his match readiness based on how well he copes with sustained workloads and back stress.
Should Cummins recover without setbacks, he could make a return for the second Test in Brisbane. However, if his progress is slower than expected, the team management may opt to rest him until the third Test in Adelaide, especially if Australia manage to take a 2-0 series lead by then.
Cricket Australia remains cautious about not rushing the 30-year-old pacer back into action, considering his history of back injuries early in his career.
Cummins’ Dominance Over England
Since his Ashes debut, Pat Cummins has been a constant threat to England, delivering match-winning performances in almost every series. Over the last four Ashes campaigns, Cummins has taken 91 wickets, making him Australia’s most successful bowler against England in the modern era.
He was the leading wicket-taker in the 2017-18, 2019, and 2021-22 series, playing a decisive role in Australia’s continued dominance in Ashes contests. His consistency with both the new and old ball has been instrumental in maintaining Australia’s unbeaten home record against England for over a decade.
England, meanwhile, have struggled to replicate their 2015 success, when they last won an Ashes series. They haven’t won a Test match in Australia since 2011, highlighting just how formidable the hosts have been on home soil.
Smith’s Leadership and Australia’s Depth
While Cummins’ absence is a blow, the Australian squad remains confident under Steve Smith’s leadership. The former captain brings vast experience, having led Australia in multiple Ashes battles, and is expected to maintain the team’s high standards of intensity and focus.
Smith’s tactical acumen, combined with the experience of bowlers like Starc and Hazlewood, ensures Australia retains a strong bowling attack even without their captain. The return of Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja to form adds further depth to a well-rounded team looking to defend the Ashes.
Cricket pundits believe that Australia’s pace rotation strategy, which has been effectively managed over the past few years, will allow the team to remain competitive even if Cummins sits out the opening Tests.
England Eye Rare Away Win
For Ben Stokes’ England, the Ashes in Australia represent both a challenge and an opportunity. Stokes’ aggressive “Bazball” style has transformed England’s red-ball approach, but conditions in Australia — with extra pace and bounce — will test their attacking mindset.
England’s last series victory came in 2015, while their last win on Australian soil dates back to 2010-11, when Andrew Strauss captained them to a historic 3-1 triumph. Since then, England have endured heavy defeats Down Under, including 4-0 losses in both 2017-18 and 2021-22.
Facing a near-full-strength Australian side, England’s bowlers will need to adapt quickly to conditions, while their batting order — led by Stokes, Joe Root, and Zak Crawley — must find consistency against the world’s top-ranked Test attack.
Cummins’ Comeback Crucial for Australia’s Title Defense
Cummins’ leadership and bowling are central to Australia’s plans, especially in home Ashes contests where his control and tactical awareness have repeatedly proven decisive. His absence from the first Test will be felt, but his long-term fitness remains the bigger priority for the Australian setup.
Cricket Australia insiders suggest that the decision to rest Cummins for the opener reflects a “bigger picture approach” aimed at ensuring he remains fit for the remainder of the series and future international commitments.
If Cummins completes his rehabilitation successfully, his return could provide a significant boost midway through the series, both strategically and psychologically.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Pat Cummins’ return to bowling marks a promising step toward his long-awaited comeback ahead of the Ashes. While his participation in the first Test is ruled out, his recovery progress gives Australian fans hope for his return later in the series.
With Steve Smith taking charge temporarily and Australia boasting a strong pace lineup, the team appears well-equipped to begin their title defense confidently. For now, the focus remains on ensuring Cummins’ recovery is steady, sustainable, and free from risk.
As the countdown to the Ashes continues, all eyes will be on Cummins’ progress in Sydney — because when Australia’s captain leads the attack, they are an entirely different beast.