Last Updated on 3 weeks by Charbel Coorey
Pat Cummins has provided an update on the back injury that has Australia holding its breath ahead of the Ashes. The fast bowler is committed to leading his side in the big series despite a lower back stress injury jeopardizing his participation in the opening game in Perth on November 21.
Medical scans confirmed a lumbar bone stress injury, ruling him out of the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and India. Cummins described the prospect of missing the series opener as devastating, and stressed he’s doing everything possible to be ready.
Pat Cummins update: Rest and light gym work crucial to recovery
Cummins taking a cautious approach limited to light gym work, with no bowling or running, hoping genuine rest will allow him to build up gradually. Cummins hasn’t set a return date, telling reporters the next reassessment is a month away. He remained confident he could return to peak form quickly, even without a run in domestic Shield matches.
With just under three months until the Ashes, Cummins hinted he’s prepared to “be a bit aggressive” in his rehab. “It’s not too bad, it was a little bit sore,” he said, as quoted by SEN.
The fast bowler said feeling sore after a Test series is normal, but the stiffness in his back hung around for an extended period after the West Indies Test series.
“How it works normally after a Test match, you’re pretty sore everywhere and things kind of cool down after a week or so, and you hope to go back to normal.
“But my back was a little bit stiff, so it’s just hung around a little bit, but there are still ages to go before the Ashes. So, a bit of rest, lots of gym work, and then we’ll build back up.”
Will Cummins be ready for the Ashes opener?
Selectors remain optimistic. Chief selector George Bailey noted there’s still adequate recovery window and said replacements like Scott Boland are on standby if needed. Given the nature of Cummins’ injury and past back injuries, it is likely that the captain won’t play all five Tests. However, Cummins has warned against deciding too soon.
“The intention is to try and play as much of it as possible, but especially the first Test as captain as well. That’ll be the aim absolutely and then you try and map out how you can play as much as possible,” said Cummins.
“It feels kind of pretty silly to try and work out hypotheticals this far out, but intention is to try and play as much as we can.”
Cummins had a stress fracture in his back in mid-2018 but recovered in time to play against India in 2018/19. The hope is he will be in full flow by the time the Ashes begins.
“But my back was a little bit stiff, so it’s just hung around a little bit, but there are still ages to go before the Ashes. So, a bit of rest, lots of gym work, and then we’ll build back up.”
Pat cummins on his back injury
The big series begins on November 21 in Perth. England are seeking their first Test win down under since 2010/11. A strong start for both teams will be vital.
