Pat Cummins doubtful for The Ashes; replacements that Australia could pick vs England

Pat Cummins might miss Ashes 2025 [Source: AFP]

According to emerging reports, Australian captain Pat Cummins is all set to miss the first Test of The Ashes 2025 against England. Cummins hasn't yet recovered from the back stress injury and could miss the entire series, which is scheduled next month. 

How the absence of Pat Cummins could affect Australia in The Ashes 2025

Pat Cummins has been one of Australia's most successful fast bowlers in Test cricket, scalping 309 wickets in 71 matches. Cummins has enjoyed stellar success against England, bagging 91 wickets at a magnificent average of 24.11 in Tests. Furthermore, his record in Australia (177 wickets in 38 Tests, average - 19.93, Strike Rate- 43.54) speaks for his prowess on home soil. 

Additionally, Cummins has scored 1548 runs in the format, showcasing his ability to contribute with the bat as well. While a genius tactician like Steve Smith is set to replace him as captain, Australia will miss Cummins' bowling and batting attributes if he gets sidelined from the Ashes. Therefore, instead of picking a specialist pacer, Australia can consider including one of these three bowling all-rounders as an alternative for their Test captain for the Ashes. 

Who can replace Cummins if he gets ruled out

Michael Neser

(Michael Neser has excellent numbers in First-Class cricket)

• Michael Neser has been one of the proven performers in the Australian domestic circuit. Apart from scalping 405 wickets with his right-arm pace bowling, Neser has slammed 3911 runs, including five hundreds and 18 fifties, in First-Class cricket. He is a terrific bowler who can trouble the batters with his accuracy and seam movement on spicy pitches. 
• Interestingly, Neser has represented Australia in two Tests, scalping seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul. However, with Pat Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Boland leading the pace attack, he hasn't had enough opportunities to prove his mettle. 
• Therefore, the injury to Cummins certainly opens the door for Neser's comeback. He recently looked in great rhythm, bagging six wickets across two innings in Queensland's Sheffield Shield encounter against Tasmania. So, considering his potential and recent form, we reckon Michael Neser is one of the frontrunners to replace Cummins if the latter gets sidelined from the Ashes. 

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Will Sutherland

(Will Sutherland's numbers in First-Class cricket)

• If Australia are searching for a younger player to replace Cummins, Will Sutherland can be the most perfect name they can consider. The promising cricketer is known for his ability to hit the good areas tirelessly and can give Australia a relentless bowling option on home pitches. 
• He has been a workhorse for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, having led them to numerous memorable wins with his all-round prowess. Talking about First-Class cricket, Sutherland has bagged 160 wickets at a healthy average of 24.32 while scoring 1209 runs as a lower middle order batter. 
• Given that he is only 25 years old, Pat Cummins ' injury will allow Australia to groom Sutherland into a future Test prospect. 

Sean Abbott

(Sean Abbott's stats in First-Class cricket)

• If Australia want someone with international experience as the replacement for Cummins, Sean Abbott could make a wildcard entry into their Ashes 2025 squad. 
• Although he has yet to play a Test match, Abbott has represented Australia in 29 ODIs and 27 T20Is. He can be a potent weapon with the red cherry, courtesy of his ability to move the ball both ways off the deck. 
• Additionally, he can add crucial runs to the tally at the lower order, having struck 2857 runs with the help of one hundred and 16 half-centuries in First-Class cricket. 

Conclusion

While Cummins' absence is a massive blow to Australia, it definitely creates an opportunity for several players eyeing a Test debut. Michael Neser seems to be the best candidate to replace the Test skipper based on potential, while Abbott and Sutherland could be the unconventional out-of-the-box choices for the home side. 

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