Australia provides update on Pat Cummins ahead of Ashes
The Aussies have not given up hope their skipper can feature in the opening Test against England in Perth.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald has provided an update on the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins ahead of the upcoming Ashes series against England.
Cummins has been battling a back injury that has prevented him from bowling since July and the Australia skipper only returned to running earlier this month just weeks out from the first Test against England in Perth from November 21.
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McDonald admitted time was running out for Cummins to prove his fitness ahead of the first Test, but the Australia coach is still holding hope the inspirational captain can feature should he make a return to the bowling crease at training within the next 10 days.
"Myself and Patty have spoken about that type of timeframe," McDonald said.
"Or else you start to bring in other risk factors. A: You're not skill ready or B: Soft tissue injuries then become a real risk.
"And if you were to do a soft tissue injury early in a series like the Ashes, then it's a long way back from where he's been. So we'll be mindful of all those risk factors."
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If Cummins is ruled out of the series opener in Perth it could pave the way for former skipper Steve Smith to captain the side, while back-up quick Scott Boland would seem the most logical replacement for the fast bowler alongside regulars Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
But McDonald is not giving up hope his skipper will be there to lead Australia, revealing Cummins' prognosis had actually improved in recent times.
"There's some positive signs speaking to Patty over the last few days. He's a lot more optimistic. Those who have been through this type of injury (say) these things ebb and flow," McDonald noted.
"A couple of weeks ago, did he think he was a chance (to play in Perth)? Potentially not, he was a little bit sore. Then you flip it forward two weeks and there's a lot more positivity. We've still got a little bit to go.
"One of the benefits with Patty is that he has had the ability to prepare for Test matches off shortened preparations. So if it was to be shrunken down, we'd be very confident that he would still be able to perform in the first Test.
"But the reality is, we're starting to get tight in terms of the times. We're still optimistic, hopeful, but this time next week, I think we'll be in a position to get better gauge on where he's at."
Series schedule:
First Test: 21-25 November, Perth
Second Test: 4-8 December, Brisbane
Third Test: 17-21 December, Adelaide
Fourth Test: 25-29 December, Melbourne
Fifth Test: 3-7 January 2026, Sydne