Australia captain Pat Cummins says he’s unlikely to be fit for first Ashes Test

Australia captain Pat Cummins says it’s “less likely than likely” that he will likely be fit for the Ashes series opener against England next month.

The fast bowler is recovering from lumbar bone stress in his lower back and has not played since July, although he has resumed running in training.

The 32-year-old faces a race to be fit for the primary Test in Perth on November 21, but admits he could also be prepared to gamble together with his fitness given the importance of the series.

Cummins, who said he planned to resume bowling drills next week, told Cricket Australia’s official website: “You’d want no less than probably a month within the nets.

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Tight

“When you play a Test match, you should be sure you’re right to bowl 20 overs in a day and also you don’t have to actually give it some thought.

“So 4 weeks is pretty tight, but I believe somewhere around that mark. I’m running today and running form of every second day, and every run is somewhat bit longer.

“(Then I) get into bowling prep next week. (It’s) probably a few weeks away before I’m actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on turf.

“With this stuff, it’s pretty hard to go from not bowling or doing anything in any respect to suddenly playing five Tests.

“So first steps are attempting to present (me) a shot at being right, after which we’ll work it out.”

Gamble

Cummins said that Australia’s reduced schedule at the beginning of 2026 meant he may gamble greater than he would normally be prepared to together with his fitness.

“Next yr isn’t as busy as other years, there’s a T20 World Cup (in February-March) but the majority of Test matches aren’t until later within the yr,” he said.

“There’s somewhat little bit of that aspect (taking more risk). That is the massive series on this next six to 12-month block, but you’ve got to weigh that up against taking silly risks as well that may cost a little you within the long-term.”

Washout

Former Australia opener David Warner believes Cummins’ likely absence could swing the results of the primary Test in England’s favour but still backed a cushty home win.

The 38-year-old, best known in Ashes cricket for his repeated dismissals by the hands of Stuart Broad, told reporters Down Under: “If Cummo’s there, 4-0. If the captain doesn’t play, they could win one game.

“There’s going to be a washout somewhere, it’s generally Sydney.”

Antagonist

Warner was an everyday on-field antagonist in his playing days but has warned against riling up England captain Ben Stokes.

“If we will kind of not poke that bear and get him up and about, I believe that may help the Australians enormously,” he said.

“I had the fortunate privilege to share a changing room with him when he was younger and he has evolved right into a serious cricketer and a unbelievable leader.

“I do wish to see some bantering out on the sphere and I need to see them going at one another somewhat bit – obviously not at Stokes – because that’s what creates that energy and involvement in the sport.”

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