Australia’s Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins is set for a brief break following his impactful return in the Ashes, as he shifts focus towards the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin in February next year.
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Cummins missed the first two Ashes Tests after sustaining a lower-back injury during Australia’s tour of the West Indies in June–July. He made a timely comeback in the third Test at Adelaide, delivering a match-winning performance by claiming six wickets in Australia’s series-clinching victory.
Pat Cummins opts for rest after Ashes triumph
With the Ashes urn secured, Cricket Australia decided to rest Cummins for the remaining two Tests of the series. The 32-year-old confirmed on Friday that he will prioritise recovery before turning his attention to the T20 World Cup.
“Feeling good and got through Adelaide unscathed, so I’m pretty happy,” Cummins told Channel 7 during the lunch break on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test. “A few weeks ago, I was still coming back from a back injury, so playing back-to-back Tests would’ve been a big risk. Now it’s about cooling our heels for a bit with the T20 World Cup coming up next month.”
Cummins’ comments come after head coach Andrew McDonald had earlier suggested that the fast bowler was not a guaranteed selection for Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign. Australia begin their tournament on February 11 against Ireland in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
While Cummins continues to lead Australia in Tests and ODIs, the team’s T20I captaincy remains with all-rounder Mitch Marsh.
Pat Cummins provides injury update on Nathan Lyon
Cummins also revealed that veteran spinner Nathan Lyon is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury. Lyon sustained the injury on the final day of the Adelaide Test and was operated on shortly thereafter.
“He had surgery a couple of days ago and will have a lengthy layoff at least a few months,” Cummins said. “It’s a long road ahead, but he’s been through it before, so hopefully he’ll be back strong.”
Australia’s next Test assignment is not scheduled until August, giving Lyon ample time to recover fully. Cummins added that while the injury was significant, Lyon showed remarkable resilience in the aftermath.
“It was a big one and required surgery. He’s on crutches at the moment, but he put on a brave face after the Test. We’re all wishing him the best,” he said.
