Australia captain Cummins optimistic about playing in Ashes – SUCH TV

Australia skipper Pat Cummins said on Friday that he is hopeful of playing in all five Ashes Tests against England, but acknowledged that much will depend on how his back injury responds, according to local media reports.

The pace spearhead has already been ruled out of the October white-ball series against New Zealand and India due to “lumbar bone stress.”

Cummins, 32, has not bowled since the Test tour of the West Indies in June-July, and no definite return date has been set.

While he remains optimistic about featuring in the Ashes, Cummins emphasized a cautious approach. “There are no hard and fast plans yet,” he told reporters.

“I’m still doing some gym work and keeping things moving, but with this type of injury, it’s about rest first, then gradually building back towards the Ashes,” he said.

The Australian captain added that although his goal is to play in all five Tests, the final decision will be made closer to the series.

“It’s honestly too far out to say, but the aim is to try and be ready for all of it,” Cummins noted.

Cummins has faced recurring back problems over the years, including a significant flare-up in 2018 that sidelined him for an entire off-season.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald said this week he was confident Cummings would play a key part in the Ashes.

But he acknowledged to SEN radio that the uncertainty around Cummins “is not ideal”, but it was an “overreaction” to say the skipper would not play.

“It’s not ideal. I’m not going to sit here and say that it’s ideal,” McDonald told the radio station.

The first Ashes Test against England in Perth starts on November 21.

Australia retained the Ashes in England in 2023 after the series ended in a 2-2 draw.

They enjoyed a 4-0 sweep of England at home in 2021-22. Cummins was the leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps at an average of 18.