Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has made it clear that captain Pat Cummins remains an essential part of their Ashes 2025 blueprint despite battling a lower back injury. Cummins’ fitness has been a major talking point since he was sidelined during the West Indies tour, with the injury ruling him out of the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and India. However, McDonald expressed confidence that the fast bowler will recover in time to play a significant role in the marquee Test series, even if he does not feature in all five matches.
The Ashes, set to begin on November 21 in Perth, is a five-Test series where workload management will be critical for bowlers. McDonald acknowledged that Cummins is unlikely to be available for every Test but stressed that this was never the expectation. Historically, Australia’s quicks have been rotated during longer series to prevent injury flare-ups, and this time will be no different. The team’s medical and coaching staff are building a tailored recovery plan to ensure Cummins can deliver at full intensity when called upon.
The priority is to strike the right balance between keeping Cummins fresh and still getting the impact spells that make him one of the best bowlers in the world. That could mean limiting his overs in warm-up matches, giving him extra rest between games, or even sitting him out of one of the middle Tests if required. McDonald highlighted that the management group is keeping a close eye on how Cummins responds to rehabilitation and training before making final decisions.
Leadership contingency plans are also in place. If Cummins misses a match, vice-captain Steve Smith is widely expected to step up as stand-in skipper, a role he has filled successfully before. This flexibility ensures that Australia maintains stability in leadership and strategy while managing the health of their frontline paceman.
Cummins’ presence, even in a reduced capacity, is seen as a psychological boost for the squad. He has been the backbone of Australia’s pace attack, combining accuracy, hostility, and tactical nous. Losing him entirely for the series would have been a major blow, but with McDonald’s confirmation of his participation, the focus now shifts to making the most of the time available for his recovery.
For England, this announcement means they will still need to prepare for facing Cummins at key moments, which could significantly influence the series. With the first Test just over two months away, Australia appears committed to a patient and calculated approach — one that prioritizes long-term success rather than risking their captain’s fitness. Cummins’ role may be adapted, but his importance to Australia’s Ashes campaign is not in question.
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