Cummins back bowling in Adelaide
Scott Bailey |
Pat Cummins is on the comeback path to play in the Gabba Test against South Africa after returning to bowling in Adelaide.
Cummins has remained with the team for the day-night Test against West Indies, and spent around 20 minutes bowling on the ground before day three action on Saturday.
It marks the first time the Test captain has bowled since hurting his quad in the first innings against the Windies in Perth last Friday.
Cummins had always been confident he would play in Brisbane starting next Saturday, but the fact he got through his bowling session unscathed and with good rhythm will please medical staff.
“He’s tracking very well,” said Australian spin-bowling coach Dan Vettori.
“He got to about 75 per cent and the plan is for him to bowl again on day five, hopefully at as close to full as possible.
“Hopefully, it’s a normal build-up for him leading into that Brisbane Test match.”
It comes as Australia wait to see how Josh Hazlewood recovers from his side strain.
The seamer left Adelaide on Friday to return home to NSW for his rehabilitation, as he races the clock to face South Africa.
The 31-year-old missed almost all of last summer with a similar injury, but Australia are hopeful the latest issue will only keep him sidelined for one or two weeks.
After missing the final four Tests of last summer’s home Ashes, Hazlewood was only picked for one out of five matches on spin-friendly wickets in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Similar conditions are expected in India in February and March, before Australia head to England for the five-Test Ashes series.
AAP
