Last Updated on 5 months ago by Charbel Coorey
Pat Cummins is considered a strong chance of playing in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane which starts on December 4. The Australian captain, ruled out of the first Test to focus on recovery from a lumbar stress injury, has been increasing his bowling loads and speeds ahead of the big series.
Andrew McDonald and Mitchell Starc optimistic Pat Cummins will return in the Brisbane Ashes Test
Three weeks ago, Australia coach Andrew McDonald made a prediction that Cummins would almost be ready for Perth. However, given the nature of the injury, Australia were cautious and chose to gradually get the fast bowler up to speed.
“You’ll see him and it’ll almost be a question of, ‘Why isn’t he playing in Perth?,'” McDonald said, as quoted by cricket.com.au. “That’s where we think he’ll be placed by that that stage.”
Cummins looked in good rhythm in the practice nets at Perth’s Optus Stadium. He bowled nearly 10 overs on Monday (November 17), testing Jake Weatherald in the process. Weatherald, who could make his debut in the opening Test, reportedly had a strong two-hour net session.
Cummins’ output impressed Mitchell Starc. “Can we get him in this week?” Starc joked to reporters, as quoted by CODE Sports.
“I probably understand why he doesn’t train much, because when he does, he makes us all look silly,” Starc said. “So he was really, really sharp the other day, and sounds like he’s pulling up pretty well. So very positive.”
There are nine days between the first and second Ashes Tests, which further increases Cummins’ chances of a Brisbane return. A fully fit and firing Cummins will come as welcome relief for Australia, who are without Josh Hazlewood for at least the first Test as well.
