Cummins needs rest, but is in good shape for Brisbane as his return to bowling has gone better than expected.
Cummins feeling good for Gabba, but rest may be needed.
Pat Cummins has acknowledged that it could be challenging to play the remainder of the series intact, but he is still expected to return for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
In an attempt to carefully recover from a back ailment that has kept the Test captain out of action since July, Cummins has advanced to bowling off a three-quarter run up.
The 32-year-old hopes to be bowling at full speed by the beginning of the first Test after completing nearly eight overs in the nets on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old hopes to be bowling at full speed by the beginning of the first Test after completing nearly eight overs in the nets on Wednesday.
“That’s the aim and we’re building our plan to the second Test,” Cummins said at the Seven Network’s cricket launch on Thursday. “It’s probably not until you get a bit closer that you can really know where you’re at.
“The good thing is that I’m pulling up well and the body is great.
“We’re trying to keep that second Test as a live option. I’ll have a really good bowl in Perth, and by then I’ll know where I’m at.”
Cummins acknowledges that playing every Test that remains this summer after his return won’t be so simple. The second and third tests are separated by eight days, whereas the third, fourth, and fifth tests are separated by just four days.
That has already been noted by Australian officials as a summertime pressure point for bowlers, especially if Test matches are protracted and the hosts spend a lot of time on the pitch.
“I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can,” Cummins said. “But realistically, if we have a big game and bowl 40 or 50 overs and then there’s a game that starts a few days later, it might be a bridge too far.
“I’m trying to get right, and if I get right then hopefully I’ll try to play most of it as I can.”