Win Projections to be updated soon
Sydney, 9 October 2025:
Mitchell Starc says Australia captain Pat Cummins remains upbeat despite uncertainty surrounding his Ashes campaign and believes the fast bowler won’t need much preparation before returning to play.
Cummins’ hopes of featuring in the opening Ashes Test appear over, with reports Wednesday confirming his back injury has not improved enough. There are also doubts about whether he will take part in the series at all, as it remains unclear when he will resume bowling.
Starc, who will return to the Sydney Sixers for the first time in 11 years after the Ashes, said he was unsure about the details of Cummins’ injury but couldn’t resist a lighthearted jab at the media.
“I think I should be asking you guys about Pat because you seem to have more knowledge about it than the players,” Starc said. “He’s been around a bit and is in good spirits. He’s ultra-positive as always. There are still a few weeks before we get to Perth for the Test prep. Hopefully, we see a lot of him through the summer.”
With Cummins’ availability in doubt, Australia will rely on Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland to lead the pace attack against an England side confident of causing an upset. Starc and Hazlewood are set to feature in a Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales against Victoria in early November before the Perth Test.
“One thing I know about Pat is he doesn’t need much preparation,” Starc said. “Whether he’s bowled three warm-up balls or it’s the first over of a match, he’s on the money. He knows how to switch on quickly.”
Starc said he is ready to play all five Tests if required, though coach Andrew McDonald has suggested no fast bowler is likely to play the full series. Boland, who has played three Tests in three of the past four summers, could play a major role if Cummins is ruled out.
“Everyone knows the skill and ability of Scott Boland,” Starc said. “He’s a Test match-winning bowler. If he’s called on for more Test cricket, what a man—they’ll build him a statue sooner. The depth is there with guys like Michael Neser and Sean Abbott as well.”
Starc is also set for a long-awaited Big Bash League return after signing with the Sixers for the upcoming season, 11 years after his last appearance for the franchise. He has agreed to a marquee supplementary contract and is expected to play matches.
The Sixers play three regular-season games after the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground ends on Jan. 8, with the BBL final scheduled for Jan. 25. The tournament begins Dec. 14 with the Sixers facing the Perth Scorchers.
Starc, 35, retired from T20 internationals earlier this year and will skip next year’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. He remains Australia’s most successful men’s T20 fast bowler with 79 wickets at an average of 23.81.
“I’ve got no cricket scheduled between the fifth Test and the IPL, so it’s a chance to play some BBL cricket,” Starc said. “We’ve got the five Tests to focus on first, but after that, I intend to be available if needed. It’s been a good eight weeks since the West Indies series to rest the body, and I’m feeling in a good spot.”
