Pat Cummins Faces a Delicate Path to Ashes Selection
The Australian camp remains hopeful but cautious as Pat Cummins’ injury recovery continues ahead of the Ashes series against England. Scans last week revealed a persistent hot spot in his back, suggesting that Cummins is unlikely to bowl in the early stages of the tour and could miss the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, which begins on November 21. The timeline for his return remains uncertain, complicating Australia’s plans for their pace attack and leadership to start the summer full strength.
Cummins has previously indicated that he would want to be bowling for at least a month before returning to Test cricket. The latest medical updates have intensified questions about his involvement in the series, and there is a palpable sense of caution within the Australian squad as they weigh the risks of rushing a key pillar of their bowling unit.
Starc’s Optimism: A Leader Who “Doesn’t Need Much”
Mitchell Starc spoke ahead of his decision to feature in BBL duties for the Sydney Sixers, but his remarks carried a clear message about Cummins’ potential return. Starc, speaking on Thursday, described Cummins as being in “good spirits” and “ultra positive,” adding that the skipper would not require an extended lead-in if cleared to bowl. “I found one thing playing with Pat and being close with Pat, he doesn’t need much,” Starc said.
Starc’s confidence rests on a long history of Cummins performing at a high level with minimal warm-ups. He emphasized that Cummins can switch on quickly when needed, underscoring the captain’s game awareness and mental readiness. The veteran fast bowler also acknowledged that preparations would inevitably look different for Cummins compared with his own process—“that comes with experience and age”—but insisted the credibility of Australia’s leadership would not be compromised by a delayed start.
Potential XI and the Bowling Pool
With Cummins possibly unavailable for the first Test, Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland are poised to form the frontline pace battery at Optus Stadium. Hazlewood has signaled his intent to play all five Tests, while Starc has mapped out a plan to continue bowling across the series given the schedule’s gaps and the extended summer. The trio’s availability will be critical as Australia navigates England’s lineup and the conditions in Perth.
Beyond the established trio, Michael Neser remains the most experienced backup option, with Jhye Richardson’s return from shoulder trouble adding to the depth. Sean Abbott has been a steadfast member of Australia’s pace options for several years, while Brendan Doggett and Fergus O’Neill have also provided strong cases for inclusion during the buildup. Starc’s comment about potential “unearthing someone” during times of injury highlights Australia’s robust depth and the chance for a bolstered collective that can adapt to the Ashes campaign as it unfolds.
The Bigger Picture: Preparation and Adaptation
The team’s planning involves striking a balance between protecting Cummins’ long-term health and maintaining competitive intensity for Test cricket. Starc’s forthcoming Sheffield Shield appearance for New South Wales against Victoria at the SCG will serve as a key gauge of bowling tempo and rhythm before Australia faces England. The two teams also clash in three ODIs against India, providing further practice opportunities for the pace group and a chance to fine-tune line, length, and aggression in varied conditions.
Starc will get a taste of top-level preparation, but the priority remains a clean bill of health for Cummins. If the captain can return in time, Australia’s pace department could be reinforced with a combination of consistency and experience that is essential for the Ashes campaign. The leadership of Cummins, combined with the firepower of Starc and Hazlewood, could set a platform that others in the squad can build on as the summer progresses.
Conclusion: Readiness Under Pressure
As the Ashes nears, the focus remains on safeguarding Cummins’ fitness while leveraging the depth of Australia’s pace resources. Starc’s upbeat assessment offers a reminder that leadership and resilience can thrive even when preparation windows are shorter than ideal. For fans and analysts, the question now is less about if Cummins bowls in the Ashes and more about when—an answer that will crystallize in the days ahead as medical teams and coaches align around a steady, well-considered return.
