Australia’s wicketkeeper Alex Carey has offered a positive update on Pat Cummins, saying the regular captain looked in excellent condition after completing a full-intensity, one-hour net session at Optus Stadium in Perth. Cummins had earlier been ruled out of the Ashes opener due to a back stress injury discovered after Australia’s 3-0 series sweep over the West Indies in July, but his latest training session suggests he is edging closer to a return.
Pat Cummins pushes for a comeback ahead of Brisbane Test
Speaking to SEN’s The Run Home, Carey said Cummins appeared sharp and comfortable during his Monday workout.
“I’ve got to keep a lid on it a little bit. I saw him bowling in the nets yesterday… he looked ready to go!” Carey said. “It’s probably not so much about bowling 140(km/h), he seemed to do that effortlessly. It’s more about building up that game fitness.”
He added, “Fingers crossed he keeps pulling up well and gets himself ready. We all know he’s a professional. There’s great depth in this group, so if it’s not next game, hopefully it’s soon.”
Cummins bowled close to 10 overs across the session, repeatedly sending down deliveries on the Perth Stadium practice wickets, boosting Australia’s hopes of having him fit in time for the second Test in Brisbane.
The first Test begins on Friday in Perth, while the second Test at the Gabba starts on December 4, giving Cummins a little more than two weeks to complete his return.
For the series opener, Australia will be led by Steven Smith, with Scott Boland and uncapped quick Brendan Doggett expected to step in for the injured Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
