Pat Cummins Begins Bowling Again as Ashes Fitness Push Intensifies

Australia captain Pat Cummins has made a cautious return to bowling as he races against time to regain full fitness ahead of the upcoming Ashes series against England.

Cummins, who has been sidelined with a lumbar stress injury, bowled off a shortened, five-step run-up during a light net session at Cricket Central in Sydney on Wednesday. It marked the first time the fast bowler had gone through his action since sustaining the back injury in September.

Out of Perth Test, Targeting Brisbane Return

The 32-year-old has already been ruled out of the first Ashes Test, set to begin on November 21 in Perth, but remains hopeful of being fit for the second Test in Brisbane starting December 4. The third Test in Adelaide on December 17 is also viewed as a realistic fallback target if his recovery takes longer than expected.

Cummins’ brief bowling session was monitored by renowned physiotherapist Patrick Farhart and Dean McNamara, the New South Wales strength and conditioning coach. The session is understood to have gone smoothly, though selectors are unlikely to rush his return given the nature of his injury.

McDonald ‘Hopeful’ of Brisbane Comeback

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed earlier this week that Cummins had entered the crucial final phase of his rehabilitation.

“We flagged this a week or so ago — it would take four-plus weeks to get him up and running,” McDonald told reporters. “We’ve run out of time for the first Test, unfortunately, but we’re really optimistic and hopeful for the second Test match.”

McDonald described the start of Cummins’ bowling as “a huge step” in his recovery, adding that how he responds over the coming days would be vital.

“We’ll see how he pulls up and then make decisions moving forward,” he said. “With the nature of this injury, there’s never a clear timeline, and we won’t put the medical team under that kind of pressure.”

Injury Timeline and Recent Absence

Cummins last played competitive cricket in mid-July, during Australia’s Test series in the West Indies. Upon his return, he reported back soreness, which scans later confirmed as a stress-related lumbar injury.

His absence from the first Test leaves Australia needing a temporary replacement to lead the side, with vice-captain Steve Smith expected to take charge in Perth. The selectors also face a decision on who fills the fast-bowling void, with Scott Boland, Michael Neser, and Lance Morris all in contention.

Cummins’ return to bowling, even on a restricted run-up, represents an encouraging milestone for both player and team. With Australia eyeing back-to-back Ashes triumphs, all eyes will be on how quickly their captain’s body holds up over the next fortnight.

Ashes 2025 Schedule (First Three Tests):

• 1st Test: Nov 21–25, Perth

• 2nd Test: Dec 4–8, Brisbane

• 3rd Test: Dec 17–21, Adelaide