Test skipper admits he is ‘weeks away’ from bowling and unlikely to participate in opening Ashes Test
Pat Cummins has stated that his appearance in the initial match is improbable, confirming that a comeback to competitive bowling is not imminent.
Fitness Status
The 32-year-old is scheduled to learn this week whether he will be ready to participate in Perth on 21 November, with officials stating the quick is dealing with a tight timeline.
The veteran cricketer has not bowled since Australia’s 3-0 series defeat of West Indies in July, with later medical imaging having revealed a stress injury on his spine.
Candid Comments
When asked on Monday about his prospects of taking part in the first Test at the Perth venue, the fast bowler admitted the possibility was unlikely.
“I wouldn’t put a numerical value on it, but I’d say most likely less likely than expected,” the bowler commented at Fox Cricket’s summer launch. “I’ve still got a bit of time.”
Rehabilitation Process
“I’ve started running presently and on a regular schedule, and each workout is a little bit longer and then we get into initial bowling work probably next week,” Cummins described. “I’m probably a short period away before I actually put on these spikes and deliver on grass.”
“However recovery has been a positive period,” the bowler stated. “Each session progresses and further.”
Match Readiness
The pace bowler maintained it was not the right time to predict how which portions of the series he could be unavailable for, with coaching staff confident on the player’s recovery potential.
The opening match is several weeks away, while the second match in the Gabba commences almost a 14 days after that.
Another near two-week break takes place between the commencement at the Brisbane ground and Adelaide Oval, giving the captain additional weeks to regain fitness.
Short-term Objectives
“The immediate goal is to ensure I’m allowing my body a possibility to be right for the majority of it as possible,” Cummins commented. “It’s certainly premature to actually decide on some significant choices.”
“You’re just working to achieve each session,” Cummins added. “For such injuries, it’s pretty hard to transition from not bowling or any activity to quickly competing in multiple matches.”
Present Status
The fast bowler mentioned he was not in significant discomfort, but was periodically encountering stiffness after commencing running.
“Currently I’m feeling really good at the moment,” the Test skipper stated. “Several of the issues lingered for a little bit longer than I would have liked, but they’ve disappeared now.”
Backup Options
Should the bowler is out, the Victorian bowler is virtually guaranteed to take his spot in the XI.
Cummins plans on going with the squad to Perth whether or not he participates, and sticking with the side from that point on.
“Even if that opening match I’m not playing, I aim to be very close to competing and practicing,” he finished. “That is the location all of the trainers and team management and players will be.”