Ashes 2025-26: "I'm pretty keen to play"- Pat Cummins announces his comeback date

Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first test of The Ashes 2025-26.

Australian Cricket Team captain Pat Cummins has said that he is eyeing to make a comeback in the second test of The Ashes 2025-26, which will begin on December 4 at The Gabba, Brisbane. The right-arm pacer also added that he hopes to play the rest of the series.

Cummins has been ruled out of the first test in Perth as he is recovering from stress injury in his lower back, which has kept him out of the field since July. In his absence, Steve Smith will captain the team in the opening game, which will commence on November 21.

On Wednesday, the 32-year-old bowled eight overs in the training sessions and he expects himself to bowl at full pace by the start of the opening game in Perth. He has not felt any significant pain in his back in recent times, with no signs of any recurrence of the stress injury.

I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can: Pat Cummins

During a conversation with Seven Network, Cummins revealed that he is on track to return for the second test at The Gabba. He also wishes to play the rest of the four games, but it might be a big challenge for him.

“That’s the aim and we’re building our plan to the second Test. It’s probably not until you get a bit closer that you can really know where you’re at. The good thing is that I’m pulling up well and the body is great. We’re trying to keep that second Test as a live option. I’ll have a really good bowl in Perth, and by then I’ll know where I’m at,” he said.

“I’m pretty keen to play as much as I can. But realistically, if we have a big game and bowl 40 or 50 overs and then there’s a game that starts a few days later, it might be a bridge too far. I’m trying to get right, and if I get right then hopefully I’ll try to play most of it as I can,” he added.

Meanwhile, Australia have announced the squad for the opening test in Perth. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will lead the team’s pace attack in Cummins’ absence, while Scott Boland is expected to take the third pacer’s spot in the playing XI. Australia also would be hoping that Cameron Green bowls some overs in the Perth test in Cummins’ absence.

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