Mark Taylor Supports Pat Cummins' Return for Upcoming Ashes Test

Former Australian Test captain Mark Taylor has voiced his support for Pat Cummins' return to the team for the upcoming Ashes Test against England. With the second Test set to begin on December 4, Taylor emphasizes the importance of including Cummins if he is fit, advocating for an aggressive strategy that could lead Australia to a commanding 2-0 series lead. As discussions continue regarding the team selection, Taylor's insights highlight the potential impact of Cummins' performance on the match outcome.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 3, 2025, 23:38 IST

Taylor Endorses Cummins' Inclusion Amid Selection Doubts

Mark Taylor, the former captain of the Australian Test cricket team, has expressed that Pat Cummins should be included in the lineup if he is fit to play, as reported by a sports outlet.

The second Test match of the Ashes series between Australia and England is scheduled to kick off on December 4 in Brisbane. Steve Smith, who is currently leading the team in Cummins' absence, was anticipated to reveal the squad during a press conference on Wednesday. However, he refrained from naming the team, citing that several decisions were still under consideration. A key point of discussion is the status of Pat Cummins, who missed the first Test due to a back injury but may be available for the pink-ball Test on Thursday, despite not being included in the squad announced last week.

Smith noted that Cummins has been bowling effectively and that his return remains a possibility. "He looks pretty good to me, the way he has bowled in the nets. Obviously, games are different intensity, but he's tracking really nicely and knows his body well and we'll wait and see," Smith commented.

Taylor emphasized that if Cummins is fit, it would be challenging to leave him out of the team. "I tell you right now, if Pat Cummins is ready to go, it'd be hard to leave him out," Taylor stated.

'Aggressive Strategy' Suggested by Taylor

Mark Taylor proposed that if Australia fields a complete bowling lineup featuring Cummins, Starc, Boland, and others, they should adopt an aggressive approach to secure a victory in the Test match. He believes that a 2-0 lead would make Australia nearly invincible. "If Australia picked him tomorrow, and he's bowling at his best, and you add Mitch Starc, who is performing exceptionally well right now, along with Scotty Boland, who has found his rhythm, and you include (Cameron) Green, possibly (Beau) Webster, and Nathan Lyon, Australia might go all out to win this Test match, which I prefer, because if they go 2-0 up, they're just about unbeatable," Taylor explained.

"It would be quite difficult for England to win the last three Test matches in Australia to clinch the series, so I support that strategy. If Pat Cummins is ready, I would say let's bring him in and go for the jugular," Taylor concluded.