Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia, stated that he hopes to play all five Test matches in the forthcoming home Ashes series, but he acknowledged that he will learn more about his availability in the following days. Since the June–July Caribbean trip earlier this year, the seasoned seamer has not bowled.
A ‘lumbar bone tension’ has forced him to miss the next white-ball series against India and New Zealand in October. The 32-year-old stated in a recent interview that he is focused on providing his body with enough rest in addition to working out in the gym.
“At this time, there are no firm plans. On Friday, September 19, Cummins told reporters, “I’m still working out a little and keeping things going, but with this kind of injury, it’s rest and then we’ll build back and kind of work back from the Ashes.”
“I’m still very hopeful that I’ll be able to play in the Ashes.” However, we will have to wait and see. I’m feeling really good right now, so nothing has really changed from a few weeks ago,” he continued.
In order to be fit enough to play in all five Test matches, Pat Cummins is now making every effort. But closer to the beginning of the series, he will have his fitness evaluated and adjust his goals accordingly.
“Five is the goal. You sort of aspire for five every summer. Since you’re approaching this one a little differently than others, it might be a little different. However, the first goal is five. We will most likely discuss perhaps more feasible scenarios as we get closer. To be honest, it’s too optimistic to say. However, the goal right now is to try to be prepared for everything,” Pat Cummins stated.
I refuse to enter a test when I think I [will] lose it: Pat Cummins
Even without match practice, Cummins believes he can prepare for playing Test cricket. The Westmead native claimed that a few net sessions should be plenty to get him ready for the next red-ball difficulties. Additionally, Cummins promised that if he believes his body would fail during a Test match, he will not choose to participate.
“Ideally, you’re playing a [Sheffield] Shield game after playing ODIs. The other boys are most likely doing that. I think we’ll figure out a program where I’m ready to play, but that was probably my original intention,” Pat Cummins remarked.
“I won’t feel like I [will] lose it or anything like that before a test. If you had asked me ten years ago, I guess I would have responded that I truly felt the need to play games. It’s net sessions and centre wickets now. A lot more overs have been bowled by me. He came to the conclusion, “I think I can kind of get up to Test level pretty quickly.”
Perth Stadium will host the inaugural Ashes Test starting on November 21. Thus, Cummins has just over two months to prepare for the high-voltage series’ launch.