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Pat Cummins gives hope of returning; might join Australian team for 2nd Ashes Test

Rajgeeta Yadav

Pat Cummins back in the nets [Source: AFP]Pat Cummins back in the nets [Source: AFP]

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins has started bowling again in the nets, raising hopes that he might return in time for the 2025–26 Ashes series. The all-important series is set to begin on November 21 in Perth and while Cummins will miss the opening Test due to a back injury, his recovery appears to be going well.

Cummins hopeful for second Test vs England

According to Sky News Australia, Cummins has begun a light bowling program as part of his rehabilitation and is aiming to be fit for the second Test in Brisbane. Notably, the 32-year-old pacer has been recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury, which has kept him out of action since the third Test against the West Indies in July. His return to bowling is seen as a positive sign for Australia, who will rely heavily on their pace attack during the Ashes.

It is important to mention that Cummins has been sidelined for the first match and Steve Smith will step in as captain. Notably, Smith has an excellent record as a stand-in skipper, having led Australia to five wins and one draw in previous matches. The official squad for the Perth Test is expected to be announced next week.

In Cummins’ absence, Scott Boland is likely to take his place in the team. The 36-year-old has been one of Australia’s most effective bowlers on home soil, with an impressive average of 12.63 and 49 wickets in just nine Tests. Boland famously took 6 wickets for just 7 runs in the 2021 Melbourne Ashes Test, helping Australia secure the series. He is expected to join Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc in leading the pace attack for the opening match.

Meanwhile, Cummins’ fitness will continue to be assessed over the coming weeks as he completes a four-week bowling program. If his recovery goes smoothly, Australia could see him back in action for the second Test.