Australia captain Pat Cummins has taken a positive step in his recovery, resuming multiple-over spells—albeit with a shorter run-up—as he targets a return for the second Ashes Test against England. The pink-ball fixture at the Gabba begins on December 4, and Cummins is hopeful of being ready in time.
The fast bowler has been out of action since July due to a lower-back injury and has already been ruled out of the series opener in Perth. In his absence, Steve Smith will lead the side, while Scott Boland is expected to fill the pace vacancy for the first Test.
Despite the setback, Pat Cummins remains upbeat about making a comeback in Brisbane. “We’re building our plan towards the second Test,” he told reporters in Sydney. “You never really know until you get close, but I’m recovering well and the body feels good. I’ll have a decent bowl in Perth, and that should tell me exactly where I stand.”
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Pat Cummins has been a central figure in Ashes battles since making his debut against England in the 2017–18 series, and he admitted there’s still some uncertainty surrounding his availability for the rest of the tour.
His recovery is on track and Pat Cummins’ eyes are on the second Test. 🏏 pic.twitter.com/SwDEzcCvSB
— CODE Cricket (@codecricketau) November 6, 2025
“I don’t want to commit too early. I’m keen to play as much as possible,” he said. “But realistically, if I bowl 40–50 overs in one Test and then have another match a few days later, it might be pushing it. I’m focused on getting fully fit and playing the majority of the series.”
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The Ashes schedule includes tight turnarounds, with only four days separating the Adelaide and Melbourne Tests, and another four before the final Test in Sydney.
Australia named their squad for the Perth Test on Wednesday, featuring pace options Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Boland, Sean Abbott, and Brendan Doggett—giving the selectors ample firepower to manage their workload early in the series.
