Cummins concedes he’s unlikely for Ashes opener
Scott Bailey |
Pat Cummins has admitted he is unlikely to play in the Ashes opener, conceding a return to proper bowling is still some time away.
Cummins is expected to learn this week whether he will be able to feature in Perth on November 21, with officials conceding the quick is facing a narrow timeline.
The 32-year-old has not bowled since Australia’s 3-0 series defeat of West Indies in July, with back scans having since detected a stress injury on his back.
Asked on Monday what chance he was of playing at Optus Stadium, Cummins admitted it was not high.
“I wouldn’t put a percentage on it, but I’d say probably less likely than likely,” the quick told reporters at Fox Cricket’s summer launch.
“I’ve still got a bit of time.
“I’m running today and running every second day, and each run’s a little bit longer and then we get into slight bowling prep I think next week.
“I’m probably a couple of weeks away before I actually put on this spikes and bowl on the turf.
“But it’s been a good couple of weeks. Each session feels better and better.”
Cummins insisted it was still too early to know how much of the series he could miss, with coaching staff bullish on the quick’s chances.
The first Test is five-and-a-half weeks away, while the second in Brisbane starts almost a fortnight after that.
Another 12-day gap exists between the start at the Gabba and Adelaide Oval, giving Cummins more time to prepare.
“The immediate goal is to make sure I’m giving myself a chance to be right for as much of it as possible,” Cummins said.
“It’s really too early to kind of make some big decisions. You’re just trying to tick off each session.
“With these things, it’s pretty hard to go from not bowling or anything at all to suddenly playing five Tests.
“The first step is trying to give us a shot at being right, and then we’ll work it out a bit closer.”
Cummins said he was not in serious pain, but was sometimes experiencing stiffness after recently resuming running.
“I’m actually feeling really good at the moment,” the Test skipper added.
“A few of the symptoms hung around for a little bit longer than I would have liked, but they’re all gone now.
“So I’m just trying to kind of increase the workload and make sure the body’s responding well.”
If Cummins is out, Scott Boland is almost certain to take his spot in the XI.
Cummins does intend on travelling with the team to Perth regardless of whether he plays, and sticking with the side from that point on.
“Even if that first Test I’m not playing, I’m hopefully very close to playing and prepping,” Cummins said.
“And that’s where all the physios and coaches and players are.”
AAP
