Last Updated on 6 months ago by Charbel Coorey
It is “effectively impossible” that Pat Cummins will be ready for the first Ashes Test on November 21 due to a back injury. That is according to CODE Sports, with the masthead reporting that the Australian captain is not only in doubt for the first Test, but for the entire series as well.
Since the West Indies tour, Cummins has been battling a back issue. Last month, scans revealed a lumbar bone stress injury. He is yet to return to bowling, and the Perth Test begins in six weeks on November 21.
Pat Cummins likely to miss the first Ashes Test at least due to injury – report
The report by Ben Horne states that Cummins’ injury has actually improved. The latest scan showed his back is healing, but the fact he hasn’t started bowling yet – plus the risk of picking up a serious injury down the track – puts Cummins in serious doubt for the start of the five-match series.
According to the report, Cummins needs at least four-to-six weeks of bowling to be match-ready. The Ashes are already six weeks away as things stand.
“The more time that passes, the more Cummins’ hopes fade because he would need at least four weeks – but most likely a minimum of six weeks to start building up his bowling loads for a return to play at Ashes intensity,” wrote Horne for CODE Sports.
Two weeks ago, Cummins told CODE Sports that part of the preparation will be to build up to maximum bowling intensity.
“Probably using one or two, maybe three scans to gauge how the back is tracking. Like a lot of injuries, it’s also non clinical signs in terms of how you’re feeling and symptoms, so that will be pretty important,” Cummins said.
“Like anything there’s always multiple factors. I’ve got a bit of time. Obviously you can’t just go from no bowling to bowling tomorrow so there will be a ramping up period as well where you’re always tracking along with the physios. (Scans) won’t be the sole factor.”
No decision will be made for another two weeks at least. However, should Cummins be ruled out of the first Test at least, Scott Boland will line up in his place. If Cummins misses more than one Test, Australia may need to tap into their reserves, with the likes of Michael Neser, Fergus O’Neill, and Brendan Doggett contenders for an Ashes berth.
