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Pat Cummins Reveals He's 'Half a Chance' for Next Ashes Test

Australian captain Pat Cummins has provided an encouraging update on his fitness ahead of the second Ashes Test. He revealed he's feeling good and considers himself "half a chance" for the Brisbane match after missing the Perth opener. The fast bowler has been managing a lower back injury but has completed several bowling sessions. His potential return would be a significant boost for Australia as they cope with Josh Hazlewood's absence from the first two Tests.

Key Points: Pat Cummins Hopeful for Second Ashes Test at The Gabba

  • Cummins reveals positive progress after bowling sessions in Perth
  • Australia captain expresses optimism about Gabba Test return
  • Final fitness decision will involve collaboration with medical team
  • Cummins' return would boost Australia amid Hazlewood's absence
  • Debutant Brendan Doggett likely to make way if Cummins plays
2 min read

Ashes: Have half a chance of playing the next game, says Cummins

Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins says he's 'half a chance' for the second Ashes Test at The Gabba after missing the Perth opener with back injury.

"It's feeling good. I'm half a chance for the next game. - Pat Cummins"

Perth, Nov 22

Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins has said that he could return for the second Ashes Test at The Gabba starting on December 4. Cummins missed the ongoing opening match in Perth due to a lower back injury and had been in doubt for the second fixture in Brisbane.

“It’s feeling good. I had a couple of good sessions in Perth this week, so having a big day where I’d bowl around 10 overs then a couple of quieter day and then going again. It’s on track and pulling up pretty well. (I’m) half a chance for the next game.”

“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 and it’s probably better than it was a few weeks ago,” said Cummins to broadcasters Kayo Sports during day two’s play.

Cummins’ return would provide a significant lift for Australia, with Josh Hazlewood already sidelined from the first two Tests due to a hamstring injury that threatens to rule him out of the entire five-match series.

He also said a final decision on his fitness will be made closer to the second Test, but expressed optimism about taking the field and leading Australia at The Gabba. It’ll be a collaboration between myself and the physios, the selectors and the doctors.”

“There’s a few things at play, and obviously I’m not coming off a lot of cricket so you want to get a bit of a feel, have a look at the wicket and work out how you think the game may pan out and make a decision. If I don’t want to play, no one is going to put me in that position,” added Cummins.

If Cummins is cleared to play at The Gabba, debutant fast bowler Brendan Doggett is expected to make way, despite an impressive first outing in the longer format, where he claimed five wickets.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Smart decision by Cummins to not rush back. We've seen too many Indian players get injured by coming back too early. Health should come first, even if it means missing important matches.
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David E
Interesting to see how Australia manages their pace attack. With Hazlewood also injured, they might be testing their bench strength before facing India. Good strategy actually.
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Ananya R
Poor Brendan Doggett! Takes 5 wickets on debut and might get dropped. This is why young Indian players sometimes prefer IPL over Test cricket - at least they get consistent opportunities.
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Michael C
The Gabba has always been Australia's fortress. If Cummins returns there, England will have a really tough time. As an Indian, I remember our historic win there last year - what a moment! 🇮🇳
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Shreya B
Respect for Cummins being honest about his fitness. In Indian cricket, sometimes players hide injuries to stay in the team, which hurts them in the long run. More transparency is needed everywhere.

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