Australia captain Pat Cummins has revealed his hopes of resuming bowling at least a month before the Ashes 2025 opener in Perth on November 21. The 32-year-old fast bowler has been dealing with lumbar bone stress since the Test series victory in the Caribbean two months ago and has already been ruled out of Australia’s upcoming white-ball assignments against New Zealand and India.
Despite his enforced break, Cummins remains focused on leading Australia in the marquee Ashes contest, even if it means entering the series without any Sheffield Shield match practice.
“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.”
Bowling Depth Under the Spotlight
Cummins’ absence has once again put the spotlight on Australia’s fast-bowling depth. Josh Hazlewood, another key member of the attack, has faced several injury setbacks. Scott Boland has performed admirably as a backup, but the pool of alternatives is narrowing. Lance Morris recently underwent back surgery, while young quicks Callum Vidler and Mahli Beardman are also sidelined. Adding to the concern, Jhye Richardson’s Ashes availability remains uncertain after his shoulder dislocation earlier this year.
Still, Cummins expressed confidence in the resources at Australia’s disposal. “We feel really well placed. A lot of planning goes in. 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.
“There’s (Michael) Neser, Brendan Doggett was part of squads 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.”
Ashes 2025 the Ultimate Target
For Cummins, the ultimate focus remains the Ashes 2025 series. The opener at Optus Stadium in Perth on November 21 will be a crucial moment in his captaincy and for Australia’s ambitions. With fitness management a priority, Australia hopes its leader will be ready to spearhead the attack when it matters most.
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