Pat Cummins injury update: Will Australia captain play all 5 Ashes Tests?

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald shed light on the timeline for captain Pat Cummins' return before the Ashes series

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that while Pat Cummins will take part in the Ashes, it is highly unlikely that he will be a part of all five Tests. The Australian captain is currently recovering from a lumbar bone stress which was revealed after scans following the West Indies series. With the series against England scheduled to begin from November 21 onwards, McDonald provided a crucial update on Cummins’ recovery and availability for the series.

Will Cummins recover in time for Ashes?

Speaking to Nine.com.au, the Australian coach said that there was enough time for the Ashes and that a lot more information on Cummins was still awaited. He said that the team management doesn’t plan to make the fast-bowlers play all five Tests. On Cummins, McDonald said that he was working through a programme and that he would also be a part of one-day team to prepare for the Ashes.

“We are confident that he’ll partake in the Ashes. To sensationalize that he won’t will be an overreaction. He’s working through a programme. We’ve got time, and a lot more information to come. We are hopeful he’ll play a key part in the Ashes. From the get go, we never really planned for all 5 Tests for fast bowlers. We’ll see how it holds out for Pat,” McDonald said.

When will Cummins return?

Speaking at an event, Cummins revealed that he intends to start bowling four to six weeks time. The Australian captain admitted that he hadn’t thought about his return at length yet, while adding that it was going to be a bit of ‘wait and see’. Cummins is optimistic about making his comeback before the five-match Test series against England as he believes that there is ample time.

“I’d imagine (I’d want to be bowling) at minimum a month out, maybe six weeks. 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,” Cummins said.