Pat Cummins Set to Return for Second Ashes Test Against England
Cummins Expected to Play in Brisbane
New Delhi, November 27: Australia’s captain Pat Cummins is anticipated to be included in the lineup for the upcoming second Ashes Test against England, scheduled to take place at the renowned Gabba starting December 4.
Having missed the first Test in Perth due to a lower back injury, the 32-year-old was seen practicing at the Cricket NSW facilities on Tuesday, gearing up for the pink-ball match in Brisbane.
According to a report from CODE Sports, Cummins is expected to rejoin the Australian squad on Friday after recovering from his injury.
Brendon Doggett, the Australian fast bowler who made his Test debut in Perth, commented on Cummins' condition, stating, “Pat is looking pretty good in the nets now... we’ll see where that lands.” He added, “I’m just going to control what I can control. Keep ticking the legs over, keep bowling and trying to improve every session, every game. If I get called upon in that second Test, I’ll feel ready to go,” as reported by Fox Cricket.
Australian coach Andrew McDonald expressed optimism regarding Cummins' participation in Brisbane, emphasizing the importance of not rushing his recovery. “It’s about ensuring we’re not putting him in harm’s way by accelerating it too much. But it will be a genuine discussion leading into this Test match, and that may be one that eventuates late for us,” he mentioned, according to Fox Cricket.
Australia secured victory in the first Ashes Test in Perth by eight wickets, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
In the first innings, England batted first, scoring 172 runs, with Harry Brook contributing 61 runs off 52 balls. Mitchell Starc from Australia delivered an impressive performance with figures of 7/58.
In reply, Australia was dismissed for 132 runs, with England’s captain Ben Stokes achieving a five-wicket haul. England set a target of 205 runs after scoring 164 in their second innings. During the chase, Travis Head played a remarkable innings, scoring 123 runs off 83 balls, while Marnus Labuschagne added an unbeaten 51, leading Australia to a comfortable victory.