England batter Harry Brook has warned his team not to underestimate Australia ahead of the Ashes series, even though Pat Cummins remains doubtful for the first Test in Perth.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald admitted that Cummins is short on time to regain fitness. He said the captain has not been ruled out yet but needs to resume bowling at least four weeks before the opening match to avoid risks.
Cummins’ absence would be a big blow for Australia. Since his Ashes debut in 2017-18, he has played every series, and Australia have not lost the urn with him leading their attack.
“He is an amazing bowler and has been for many years. He bowls fast and with great skill,” Brook said at the Professional Cricketers’ Association Awards. “If he misses the first game, that might help us. But they still have many strong quick bowlers. When they get going, they can destroy teams. We can’t take anyone lightly.”
Brook, now England’s vice-captain in place of Ollie Pope, also shared confidence about captain Ben Stokes’ fitness. He expects Stokes to play all five Tests despite his shoulder injury.
“Everyone knows what he’s like,” Brook said. “He just keeps going, no matter what. That’s how this team is built. If someone has a small injury, they fight through it, and that’s what he does best.”
The Ashes will start in Perth on November 21, followed by a day-night Test in Brisbane. The third Test will take place in Adelaide, with the Melbourne and Sydney matches wrapping up the series in December and January.
