Australia skipper Pat Cummins is optimistic to resume bowling at least a month before the start of the Winter Ashes 2025/26 series on November 21, but admitted there is no fixed recovery date from his recent lumber bone stress, which has already ruled him out of the white-ball series against New Zealand & India . The pace bowler has been sidelined with a back problem since the Test series against West Indies in July.
Notably, Cummins would also be without much game time if he manages to be fit for the Ashes opener in Perth, as he will miss playing any of the Sheffield Shield match practice.
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"I'd imagine (I'd want to be bowling) at minimum a month out, maybe six weeks," Cummins said at a sponsor event on Wednesday (September 10). "But I've not thought that deeply about it yet. It's still a bit of a wait-and-see. We've got plenty of time, so we'll map a way back when we get closer. At the moment, for the next few weeks, it's pretty light. Not much running and zero bowling."
The Australia skipper's last setback has yet again cropped questions on the national team's fast-bowling depth. Josh Hazlewood has had a fair history with injuries, while Scott Boland has duly filled with match-winning performances. However, there is a huge concern about the backup options, as pacer Lance Morris recently underwent back surgery, with young pacers Callum Vidler and Mahil Beardman also sidelined. Jhye Richardson's Ashes participation is also in doubt due to a shoulder dislocation.
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Pat Cummins not too bothered about fast-bowling depth in Australia
While concerns are growing in Australia with regard to fast-bowling stocks, Cummins is not bothered one bit, stating there are enough fast bowlers who are ready to put their hands up whenever the team needs.
"We feel really well placed. A lot of planning goes into it. It's not just a month before, it's 12 months out," he said. "Someone like Jhye Richardson, hopefully, will be available for some of the summer.
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"There's (Michael) Neser, Brendan Doggett was part of the squad last year, Sean Abbott. So I'm really confident in our depth. Obviously, there is a bit of Shield cricket and white-ball cricket before that to make sure everyone is up and raring to go."
