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Pat Cummins Begins Bowling Return Amid Ashes Comeback Hopes

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has started his bowling comeback after a back injury. He's set to miss the opening Ashes Test in Perth next month but hopes to return for the second match at the Gabba. Steve Smith will lead the side in Cummins' absence while he recovers from his lumbar stress fracture. The 32-year-old pacer was crucial in last year's Ashes, taking 18 wickets across the series.

Key Points: Pat Cummins Bowling Return Ashes Series Comeback Update

  • Cummins recovering from lumbar bone stress injury in his back
  • Steve Smith confirmed to captain Australia in Cummins' absence
  • Targeting return for second Test at Gabba starting December 4
  • Scott Boland likely replacement with Neser, Doggett in contention
  • Cummins was fourth-highest wicket-taker in 2023 Ashes with 18 scalps
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Pat Cummins begins bowling return ahead of Ashes

Australian captain Pat Cummins resumes bowling in training, targeting Ashes return after back injury. Steve Smith to lead in Perth Test as recovery timeline revealed.

"Although Cummins had a light run-up, he rolled his arms over in his training session. - Fox Cricket"

Canberra, October 29

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has taken the first fundamental steps towards his bowling comeback, raising hopes of his return during the upcoming Ashes series, according to Fox Cricket.

Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday that Steve Smith will lead the side in Cummins' absence, with the 32-year-old pacer recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury in his back.

Cummins is set to miss the opening Test in Perth next month but is pushing hard to regain fitness in time for the second match, a day-night encounter at the Gabba starting December 4.

Although Cummins had a light run-up, he rolled his arms over in his training session.

Scott Boland is almost certain to make the playing XI in Cummins' place, while Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, Xavier Bartlett, and Fergus O'Neill are among the pacers being considered for a squad call-up.

Cummins' absence is a huge blow for the Aussies. In the 2023 drawn Ashes series in the UK, he ended up as the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 18 scalps at an average of 37.72, with best figures of 6/91. He also made some vital contributions with the bat.

The first Test will kick off on November 21.

Series schedule:

First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-25

Second Test: Gabba, December 4-8

Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21

Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30

Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Back injuries are so tricky for fast bowlers. Remember what happened to our own Bumrah? Hope Cummins doesn't rush his comeback and risk long-term damage. Quality cricket needs quality players fit and playing! 🤞
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Arjun K
Scott Boland getting another chance! He was brilliant in the last Ashes. Honestly, Australia's pace bowling depth is incredible - they have so many quality options even without Cummins. We need to develop similar bench strength in India.
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Sarah B
The Ashes is always special to watch from India. Day-night Test at Gabba should be exciting! Hope the cricket is competitive and we get to see some memorable performances. Early morning matches with chai - perfect combo! ☕
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think Cricket Australia should be more careful with their star players. Cummins has been playing non-stop across formats. Maybe they need to manage workloads better like BCCI does with our key bowlers. Just my two cents.
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Ananya R
Steve Smith as captain again! Interesting times for Australian cricket. As an Indian fan, I just hope both teams are at full strength when we tour Australia next. Nothing better than India vs Australia Test series! 🔥

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