Coach Andrew McDonald states captain Pat Cummins had a “positive week” but concedes time is short for the Perth match.
A crucial decision regarding Pat Cummins` availability for the first Ashes Test is expected next Friday. Australian coach Andrew McDonald admitted his captain is facing a tight deadline to achieve full fitness for the Perth game but maintained confidence that Cummins would feature in the series at some point.
Cummins underwent a scan on his lower back`s lumbar bone stress earlier this week, with McDonald confirming an improvement in the injury. However, with only six weeks remaining until the first Test begins in Perth on November 21, Cummins has yet to resume bowling, raising significant doubts about his readiness.
McDonald explained that the recent scan allowed Cummins and the medical team to incorporate new training elements, as his regimen had been limited to lower body strength work for the past month. He indicated that a decision on Cummins` progression to bowling and potential participation in the first Test would be made by the end of next week, acknowledging the rapidly dwindling time frame.
“We are definitely running out of time around that [first Test],” McDonald told reporters on Friday. “He`s added some variables into his training. I think by this time next week, we`ll be in a better position to make a judgment about what that first Test match looks like.”
“He`s had a positive week, and we`ll just wait for that information to come in. Anyone familiar with these types of injuries knows that when you add variables to training, recovery is key. It`s not as quick as everyone thinks. We anticipate a positive outcome next Friday to then make decisions regarding the first Test.”
Even if Cummins is ruled out of the opening Test, McDonald expressed reasonable certainty that he would still play a role in the Ashes series. “I haven`t really considered what it looks like without him for five Test matches because the information from his week suggests he will participate,” McDonald stated. “Could new information, as we add more training variables, change this? Could it regress? There is a possibility. Those with lumbar bone stress understand that it`s a journey, and recovery can fluctuate. We`ll monitor it, but at this stage, there`s no thought of him being ruled out for the entire series.”
McDonald believes it`s feasible for Cummins to be prepared for the Perth Test even with a shortened bowling preparation of less than six weeks. However, he emphasized that Cummins, the selectors, and the medical staff must carefully assess the risks and benefits of rushing him back. “The biggest variable we need to add is bowling,” McDonald said. “While we feel he can manage a shortened preparation unlike other bowlers who might need longer, reducing that prep time introduces risks like soft tissue injuries and skill readiness. We need to evaluate if it`s advantageous to get him playing, even slightly underdone, allowing him to improve throughout the series.”
Should Cummins be unavailable, McDonald is confident the team can cover his absence across all aspects of the game. While Cummins` bowling will be sorely missed, Scott Boland is already a strong contender for a spot in the XI, boasting an exceptional Test record in Australia with an average of 12.63. In the event of further injuries to Australia`s quicks, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and Sean Abbott would be considered.
Doggett is set to miss a second consecutive Sheffield Shield game for South Australia due to a minor hamstring issue, a conservative decision expected to see him fully fit for the third round starting October 28. Neser impressed with his bowling in Queensland`s first Shield match against Tasmania. Abbott, omitted from the ODI squad against India, will play his first four-day game of the season for New South Wales against Victoria next week but his T20I selection will rule him out of at least the third Shield round.
Cummins` calm leadership in what promises to be a high-pressure Ashes series would also be a loss, but McDonald believes Steven Smith, an exceptional tactician, would seamlessly step into the captaincy if required. “It`s highly likely that Steve would be the person we turn to,” McDonald confirmed. “George Bailey would need to approve it. Steve is incredibly experienced and performed well recently in Sri Lanka when Pat was absent. He`s our go-to person, and I don`t foresee that changing.”
Cummins` batting contributions at No. 8 in recent years have also been crucial, particularly in high-stakes situations, having secured two Test victories for Australia in thrilling run-chases at Edgbaston and Christchurch. McDonald expressed confidence in Mitchell Starc`s ability to step up to No. 8 after his impressive performance in the World Test Championship final in June. He also highlighted the vital tenth-wicket partnership between Boland and Nathan Lyon against India at the MCG last summer as proof of their batting capabilities. Josh Hazlewood has also been involved in significant tenth-wicket stands in Test matches with Cameron Green and Starc over the past two years.
