Cummins Racing Against Time for Ashes Opener in Perth, Hopes Still Alive

Australia captain Pat Cummins is facing a race against time to be fit for the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21, with head coach Andrew McDonald admitting the skipper's preparation window is rapidly closing. However, there remains optimism that Cummins will feature at some point during the five-match series.

Cummins has not bowled since the second Test against the West Indies in July, following a diagnosis of lumbar bone stress in his lower back. Despite encouraging signs from a scan earlier this week, he has yet to resume bowling—a critical step in his return to play.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, McDonald confirmed Cummins had made progress but warned that time was running short. "We're definitely running out of time around [his return for] the first Test," McDonald said. "He's had a positive week and added some variables into his training, but the biggest one still to come is bowling."

A final call on Cummins’ availability for the series opener will be made next Friday, based on how he responds to the next stage of his rehabilitation. For now, his training has been limited to lower leg strength work, and bowling remains the next hurdle.

“By this time next week, we’ll be in a position where we’re better informed,” McDonald said. “It’s about how he recovers when we add those variables—especially bowling—into the mix. With bone stress injuries, it’s never linear.”

While McDonald acknowledged the risk of soft tissue injuries if Cummins is rushed back into bowling, he was confident the skipper could still prepare adequately in a shortened timeframe.

"If you looked at a reasonable time frame for Patty to get ready, we feel as though he can do a shortened preparation, unlike other bowlers who probably need a longer prep," McDonald said. "But even if we shrink that prep, there are risks—both physical and performance-wise."

If Cummins does miss the Perth Test, McDonald is still confident the team can cope in his absence. Fast bowler Scott Boland, who boasts an exceptional Test average of 12.63 in Australia, is pushing for a starting spot and would likely step into the XI. Additional depth options include Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and Sean Abbott.

Doggett is currently managing a minor hamstring strain and is set to miss a second Sheffield Shield match for South Australia but is expected to return in late October. Neser impressed in Queensland’s Shield opener, while Abbott is set to feature for New South Wales before joining the national T20I squad.

Cummins’ absence would be felt beyond his bowling, with McDonald acknowledging the importance of his calm leadership in what is expected to be a fiery Ashes series. Vice-captain Steven Smith would likely take the reins if needed.

"It's highly likely that Steve would be the person we turn to," McDonald confirmed. "He's incredibly experienced and has done the job recently in Sri Lanka."

Cummins has also delivered key contributions with the bat from No.8 in recent years, playing crucial roles in Test victories at Edgbaston and Christchurch. Still, McDonald is confident that Mitchell Starc, who batted at No.8 during the World Test Championship final in June, can fill that role.

He also pointed to key lower-order partnerships from other bowlers, including Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and Boland, as evidence of Australia’s batting depth.

As the countdown to the Ashes opener continues, all eyes will be on next Friday’s decision, which could shape Australia’s campaign. For now, hopes remain alive that Cummins will play a significant role in the series—even if not from day one.