Australia Hopeful Cummins Will Return for Second Ashes Test

Australia coach Andrew McDonald is hopeful that captain Pat Cummins will be able to play in the second Ashes Test. He also believes it is very unlikely that fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the entire series, even though he is currently injured. McDonald shared these updates while speaking to reporters as Australia prepared for the next match.

Cummins had earlier said he was only a “half chance” to play the day-night Test against England in Brisbane on December 4. But McDonald sounded a bit more positive. He explained that Cummins was supposed to bowl in the nets on the fourth day of the Perth Test. However, Australia won so quickly—within two days—that the training plan had to be changed. The coach said this unexpected early finish pushed Cummins’ bowling session back by one more day.

McDonald admitted that things did not go exactly as planned, but he still felt optimistic. He said that once Cummins starts bowling again, the team will be able to understand his recovery better. He added that discussions about Cummins’ availability will continue until just before the next match. According to McDonald, Cummins is close to completing his recovery, which is a very positive sign for Australia.

Meanwhile, Hazlewood, another key fast bowler and part of Australia’s long-standing pace trio, missed the first Test due to a hamstring injury. McDonald said Hazlewood has only just begun his rehabilitation. The coach explained that they would know more once he progresses further with his recovery plan. However, McDonald is confident that Hazlewood will be fit to play at some point later in the Ashes series.

The third member of the pace trio, Mitchell Starc, delivered an outstanding performance in the first Test. He took 10 wickets for 113 runs, helping Australia dominate the match. Travis Head also played a crucial role with a brilliant 123 runs, which pushed Australia toward victory on home soil.

Australia also faced an issue with opener Usman Khawaja, who experienced back spasms during the Perth Test. The injury kept him from opening in the second innings. Khawaja has now returned home for medical tests. McDonald said that Khawaja is not yet guaranteed to play in the second Test, even if he becomes fit, because they still need more information and updates from doctors.

In Khawaja’s absence, Travis Head opened the batting in the second innings and scored a match-winning century. McDonald suggested that this could become an option for the future. He explained that sometimes teams adjust their batting order in the second innings, similar to strategies used in one-day cricket when the conditions are tough later in the game. He confirmed that they have discussed the possibility of Head opening the batting, and Head himself has also shown interest in the role.

As the next match is a pink-ball Test at the Gabba, there has been discussion about team combinations. Pink-ball games, especially under evening lights, usually favour fast bowlers. But McDonald made it clear that Nathan Lyon, Australia’s experienced spinner, will not be dropped easily. The coach explained that even in pink-ball conditions, the middle session is often calm and helpful for spin. Lyon has played an important role in such conditions and remains a key part of the team’s bowling attack.

McDonald remains positive about Australia’s chances. He believes that Cummins, Hazlewood, and Khawaja all have good chances of returning soon. With strong performances from players like Starc and Head, Australia hopes to continue their momentum in the Ashes series.