Australia captain Pat Cummins is battling back problems that could limit his role in the upcoming Ashes series against England. Head coach Andrew McDonald admitted the situation is “not ideal” but remains hopeful that Cummins will feature.
The fast bowler is crucial to Australia’s chances, both as leader and as the spearhead of the pace attack. However, his lumbar bone stress injury has left his fitness uncertain ahead of the series opener in Perth on November 21.
McDonald said the team will monitor his recovery and focus on having him ready to make an impact whenever he returns. “We’re confident he will take part in The Ashes,” McDonald told SEN Radio. “It would be an overreaction to say otherwise. There’s still time, and we’ll see how he progresses.”
The coach also said that more updates will come once Cummins resumes training with the squad. He added that Australia expects their captain to play a “significant part” in the series, even if he cannot appear in every match.
If Cummins is ruled out at any stage, Scott Boland stands ready as cover for the pace attack, joining Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Steve Smith, who has captained several times in Cummins’ absence, is the obvious choice to lead the side if needed.
