Win Projections to be updated soon
Sydney, 6 November 2025:
Australia captain Pat Cummins remains on target to return for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, though he admits it will be difficult to play through the rest of the series without a break.
Cummins, recovering from a back injury that has kept him out since July, has advanced to bowling off a three-quarter run-up as part of his carefully managed comeback. The 32-year-old sent down nearly eight overs in the nets on Wednesday and expects to be bowling at full pace by the opening Test.
The fast bowler has reported no pain or signs of a recurrence of the stress injury in his lower back. While selectors have been cautious about confirming his availability for the Brisbane Test, which begins in four weeks, Cummins said he remains optimistic.
“That’s the aim, and we’re building our plan to the second Test,” Cummins said Thursday at the Seven Network’s cricket launch. “It’s probably not until you get a bit closer that you can really know where you’re at. The good thing is I’m pulling up well and the body feels great. We’re trying to keep that second Test as a live option. I’ll have a good bowl in Perth and by then I’ll know where I’m at.”
Cummins acknowledged that maintaining a full workload through the summer would be a challenge. The series schedule includes an eight-day break between the second and third Tests, but only four-day gaps for the final three matches.
“I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can,” he said. “But realistically, if we have a big game and bowl 40 or 50 overs, then start again a few days later, it might be a bridge too far. I’m trying to get right and if I do, hopefully I can play most of it.”
The right-armer also ruled out playing a warm-up match in the Sheffield Shield or any tour games before returning to the Test side. Instead, he will travel with the squad to Perth next week and spend the match alongside the coaching staff.
“Before the 2023 ODI World Cup, I flew to South Africa and watched the last couple of ODIs from the coach’s box,” Cummins said. “It was a different view, a different perspective. Hopefully I can pick up a few things from being in that position during the first Test that I can use later in the series or maybe help out Steve Smith if I notice something from up there.”
With Cummins sidelined, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will lead the attack, while Scott Boland is expected to retain his place after taking a hat trick in Australia’s most recent Test against the West Indies.
All-rounder Cameron Green is being prepared to bowl up to 20 overs in his next Sheffield Shield match, while Beau Webster remains in contention as a second all-rounder.
