Starc backs Cummins amid Ashes uncertainty
Mitchell Starc has voiced unwavering confidence in Pat Cummins’ ability to perform for Australia even with limited preparation, as the national side prepares for a demanding Ashes campaign. Cummins, the captain of the Australian Test team, continues to be unable to bowl fully ahead of the series opener in Perth on November 21, following scans that indicated a lingering hot spot in his back. The situation has prompted serious questions about his involvement in the five-match series, but Starc’s upbeat assessment aims to buoy a camp leaning on leadership and experience during a fragile healing window.
Where Cummins stands and what it means for the pace attack
The back issue has kept Cummins from bowling, and there is a current expectation that he may miss the first Test at Optus Stadium. The captain has previously indicated that a meaningful return would require at least a month of bowling ahead of his comeback. While the timeline remains fluid, Starc’s comments suggest Australia believes Cummins’ instinctive reading of the game could offset a shorter warm-up period once cleared. “He doesn’t need much,” Starc said, underscoring Cummins’ capacity to switch on quickly when he’s allowed to bowl. “Whether it’s three warm-up balls or the first over, he’s on the money.”
Starc’s optimism is tempered by the realities of a high-stakes series. Australia may enter the first Test with Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland forming the core of the pace attack, a trio that has been extensively tested at the highest level. Beyond them, Michael Neser is currently the most experienced back-up seamer in the squad, with Jhye Richardson still working his way back from a shoulder issue. The depth is there, but continuity and rhythm will be scrutinized if Cummins cannot bowl early in the summer.
Squad depth and the search for rhythm
Starc acknowledged that this period could be a chance to uncover hidden strengths within Australian cricket’s broader pool. “It’s times like these you might unearth someone,” he said, emphasizing that selectors and coaches would be looking closely at players in and around the squad who could step up when needed. He noted that several players—ranging from familiar faces to those just breaking through—could contribute across different formats. Neser and Abbott, both with substantial experience, remain options, while younger bowlers in or around the system could seize the moment when the opportunity arises.
Preparation plans and the road ahead
The immediate plan for Starc is straightforward: balance the need to manage workload with the imperative to stay match-fit for the Ashes. Starc will play a Sheffield Shield clash for New South Wales against Victoria at the SCG, aligning with a broader schedule that includes three ODIs against India ahead of the first Test. Hazlewood, who is also in contention for the opening fixtures, will participate in the Shield game as part of a concerted effort to ensure both senior quicks are primed for the demanding schedule. The pair’s Shield appearance provides a rare chance to simulate Test conditions, especially ahead of a summer where rest and recovery will be as critical as on-field performance.
Implications for team composition
With Cummins possibly missing time, the Australian pace attack could rely more heavily on depth and versatility. Starc’s remarks about Pat’s quick readiness echo a broader belief that leadership and experience in the camp will help mitigate any early-season rust. If Cummins can return to the crease quickly, it would not only bolster Australia’s bowling options but also reinforce a leadership dynamic that has been central to their strategy in recent years.
As the Ashes approach, the focus for Australia will be balancing aggressive attack with smart rotation. The challenges posed by injuries, rest requirements, and the brutal calendar will test both coaching staff and players. Yet the buzz around a potentially quick comeback for Cummins, paired with Starc’s confidence, keeps the optimism alive for a side keen to defend their home advantage and reclaim urn pride.
