Mitchell Starc Backs Pat Cummins to Be Ready for Ashes Despite Limited Prep

As the countdown to the highly anticipated Ashes series continues, Mitchell Starc has backed Australia captain Pat Cummins to be ready for the opening Test in Perth, even if he heads into the match with limited preparation.

Cummins is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a lower back “hot spot” and has not bowled since the West Indies Test series in July. With just six weeks remaining before the Ashes opener on November 21, doubts are growing about whether the fast bowler can build up enough bowling volume in time.

However, Starc, who has trained and played alongside Cummins for over a decade, believes the captain’s experience and skill set mean he doesn’t require the same level of preparation as others.

“Playing with Pat and being close with Pat, he doesn't need much,” Starc said. “Whether he bowls three warm-up balls and the first over of the game, he's on the money. He just knows when and how to switch on. It’s different for everyone, and Pat’s preparation is unique — that comes with experience and age.”

While Starc has resumed bowling and is preparing for the upcoming ODI series against India and a Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales in November, Cummins is continuing gym-based rehab and has not yet been cleared to bowl.

Starc confirmed that Cummins remains in good spirits despite the uncertainty.

“He's ultra-positive as always,” Starc added. “There’s still some weeks to go before the first Test, so we’ll see where that lands. Hopefully, we see a lot of him through the summer.”

Smith the Likely Captain if Cummins Misses Out

If Cummins is unavailable, Starc believes vice-captain Steven Smith is the obvious replacement as captain, given his past leadership experience and familiarity with the role.

“He’s a very experienced cricket brain,” Starc said. “He’s filled in for Pat in the past, and it’s always been a smooth transition. Our group is experienced enough to support any leadership change.”

Richardson in the Mix for Test Return

Meanwhile, Jhye Richardson has declared himself in contention for a return to Test cricket this summer, as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery.

The 29-year-old fast bowler, who last played a Test in December 2021 during the Ashes, is now bowling off a full run-up and expects to return to competitive cricket in November — likely via club or second XI matches for Western Australia.

“The body’s really good,” Richardson said. “We’re at the stage where the only limiting factor is my shoulder, which is what we hoped for. I’m bowling off my full run, and now it’s just about getting the ball speed back.”

Richardson admitted he’s currently bowling in the low 120 km/h range but expects that to improve as he regains shoulder mobility and confidence.

“I think returning for Sheffield Shield rounds five or six, leading into the Big Bash and potentially the back end of the Ashes, is still the target,” he added. “But I’m not thinking too far ahead.”

Richardson’s return would add depth to Australia’s fast-bowling stocks — an area of concern with Cummins under a cloud and selectors looking beyond the core group of Cummins, Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland.

Starc also highlighted the strength of Australia’s bowling depth, pointing to Michael Neser, Sean Abbott, and a crop of emerging pacers aged between 19 and 20.

“I think the depth is there,” Starc said. “We’ve got a strong group coming through and others like Jhye who have proven themselves at the highest level.”

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Key Dates Ahead of Ashes 2025-26:

• First Ashes Test: November 21, 2025 – Perth

• NSW vs Victoria Sheffield Shield (Starc, Hazlewood likely to play): November 10-13, 2025 – SCG

• WA Sheffield Shield Rounds (potential return for Richardson):

  • Round 5: Starts November 22

  • Round 6: Starts December 4

As the summer looms, the race against time is on — not just for Cummins, but for those waiting in the wings to seize any opportunity that arises.