Pat Cummins gives himself ‘half a chance’ of playing second Ashes Test

8 hours ago7 min read2 comments

Pat Cummins has dramatically shifted Australia's Ashes calculus, revealing he possesses 'half a chance' of a stunning return for the pivotal second Test in Brisbane, a development that feels less like a medical update and more like a psychological masterstroke aimed squarely at an already reeling England. The Australian captain, sidelined for the Perth opener with a back injury, watched from the commentary box as his understudies executed a performance of such brutal efficiency it was over inside two days, an eight-wicket demolition that exposed the profound technical and temperamental frailties in England's batting lineup.In Cummins' absence, the relentless Scott Boland stepped into the breach with a characteristically miserly spell of 4-33, a reminder that Australia's fast-bowling arsenal is so deep it borders on the absurd, while Steve Smith seamlessly reassumed the captaincy mantle he once wore with such distinction. Yet, the real story unfolding in the aftermath is the potential return of the team's talisman.Cummins, who has been meticulously rehabilitating since July, has progressed from bowling multiple overs on a reduced run-up to ramping up his intensity over recent days, a carefully managed crescendo of effort. 'It’s feeling good,' Cummins reported with characteristic understatement during a Fox Sports appearance, outlining a regimen of bowling ten overs followed by quieter days for recovery.'It’s on track and pulling up pretty well. I’ll have a couple more bowls and then there could be about two weeks before the next one the way this one is going.I’m pretty hopeful. ' This isn't merely about fitness; it's about reinstalling the world's premier fast bowler, a cricketer whose impact can be measured in more than just wickets.His leadership, calm under pressure, and ability to break partnerships make him the Shane Warne of this pace attack—a game-changer who alters the opponent's entire game plan. Stand-in skipper Steve Smith left no room for ambiguity when asked if a less-than-fully-fit Cummins would be recalled, responding with an emphatic, 'I hope so.He’s obviously an absolute weapon. Our skipper and arguably the best bowler in the world so of course you want him back.' This endorsement underscores Cummins' irreplaceable status, even as the depth of Australia's bowling creates a luxury of selection headaches that England can only dream of. The potential return at the Gabba, a fortress where Australia's record in day-night Tests is formidable, adds another layer of intimidation.However, the news isn't all positive for the hosts, as top-order batsman Usman Khawaja is now a significant doubt for the second Test after injuring his back during fielding practice, a cruel twist that disrupts the batting stability they enjoyed in Perth. As the series shifts east, the narrative is clear: Australia, already 1-0 up, is not just resting on its laurels but is actively fortifying its position, with the possible return of their captain serving as the ultimate statement of intent to an England camp that must find answers, and fast, to avoid the series slipping away before it has truly begun.

#Pat Cummins

#Ashes

#injury update

#cricket

#Australia

#Steve Smith

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