The countdown to the highly anticipated Ashes series has officially begun, and all eyes are on one question:
Will Australian captain Pat Cummins be fit in time for the first Test in Perth?
As Cummins continues to recover from a lower back hot spot, uncertainty looms over his availability. However, teammate and fellow pace spearhead Mitchell Starc remains confident, insisting that Cummins is a unique cricketer who needs very little preparation to perform at the highest level.
🔍 The Fitness Concern: Cummins’ Road to Recovery
Pat Cummins has not bowled a single delivery since Australia’s Test match against the West Indies in July. Following the discovery of a lumbar stress issue, he was sidelined with a strict rehabilitation plan — focusing on gym work, leg strength, and controlled movement.
- Current Status: Not yet cleared to bowl
- Time Left Before Ashes: Approximately 6 weeks
- Risk Factor: Limited bowling load-up could lead to soft tissue or re-injury
Despite no official public update from Cricket Australia, insiders reveal that medical staff remain cautious, and no guarantee has been made regarding his participation in the opening Test.
🗣️ Starc Speaks: “He Doesn’t Need Much”
Mitchell Starc, preparing for his own comeback via the ODI series and Sheffield Shield, strongly believes in Cummins’ ability to deliver — even with minimal preparation.
“Pat doesn’t need much. Whether he bowls three warm-up balls or starts straight in a Test, he switches on instantly.” — Mitchell Starc
This statement highlights a key difference between Cummins and other fast bowlers. His experience, rhythm, and mental control allow him to find top-level performance faster than most.
🧠 The Mental Edge: Cummins’ Greatest Weapon
While physical fitness remains a concern, Cummins’ mental sharpness is widely praised. He’s known for:
- ⚡ Ability to hit consistent lines without build-up matches
- 🧠 Calm captaincy under pressure
- 🎯 Strike accuracy over raw pace
Mitchell Starc emphasized that different fast bowlers require different levels of preparation. Unlike bowlers who need overs under their belt, Cummins is renowned for his natural match readiness.
🧭 Leadership Question: Who Leads If Cummins Misses Out?
Should Cummins be ruled out of the Perth Test, leadership responsibility will likely fall to Steven Smith.
- Steven Smith: 40 Tests as captain
- Stand-in Experience: Led Australia multiple times in Cummins’ absence
- Other Option: Travis Head (Vice-Captain), but Smith remains the logical choice
A Cummins absence is not just a blow to the bowling unit — it would test Australia’s leadership structure right from the start of the Ashes.
🪖 Fast-Bowling Depth: Is Australia Still Covered?
Despite concerns around Cummins, Starc assured fans that Australia’s pace depth is strong:
| Bowler | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | Returning via ODIs and Sheffield Shield |
| Josh Hazlewood | Expected to play Shield before Ashes |
| Scott Boland | In form, reliable for long spells |
| Michael Neser | Proven red-ball performer |
| Sean Abbott | All-round option |
| Jhye Richardson | Returning from shoulder surgery |
🔁 Spotlight on Jhye Richardson: Ready for a Comeback?
Jhye Richardson, who last played an Ashes Test and claimed a five-wicket haul, is steadily returning from shoulder surgery.
“Body is great. Just waiting for pace to return — shoulder is the only focus now.” — Richardson
Currently bowling at speeds in the low 120s, Richardson aims to return through club or second XI cricket before stepping into Sheffield Shield, targeting late November or early December.
⚖️ Selection Dilemma: Risk Cummins, or Play It Safe?
Cricket Australia faces a strategic decision:
| Option | Advantage | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Play Cummins Early | Leadership, skill, intimidation factor | Re-injury, long-term setback |
| Rest Cummins Initially | Long-term preservation | Leadership gap, less impact early |
With Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne & Sydney Tests closely stacked, squad rotation will be critical.
While uncertainty prevails, belief within the team is strong. Cummins is a once-in-a-generation cricketer — one who may overcome preparation odds and walk straight into an Ashes battle.
As Mitchell Starc summed it up perfectly:
“He knows how to switch on. When it matters, Pat just delivers.”
